Climate Risk Profile: Macquarie Pass, NSW

Macquarie Pass, New South Wales· Wingecarribee Shire Council
Updated May 2026

Macquarie Pass faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and bushfires. Increasing temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Is Macquarie Pass Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Macquarie Pass, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

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Overall Risk Score

Address-level

Hazard Breakdown

Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Macquarie Pass

Flood

Macquarie Pass faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location within a valley and proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use

Bushfire

The suburb is at a high risk of bushfires due to its proximity to dense bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

Macquarie Pass experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Coastal risk is low due to the suburb's inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Macquarie Pass

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Macquarie Pass experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Macquarie Pass faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location within a valley and proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
  • ·Climate change
Data source

coastal Risk

Coastal risk is low due to the suburb's inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast
Data source

bushfire Risk

The suburb is at a high risk of bushfires due to its proximity to dense bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the elevated flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to extreme weather events.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

How the region's climate is projected to change

Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.

Temperature

+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030

Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.

Rainfall

Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030

The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.

Fire weather

Harsher, magnitude uncertain

High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.

Sea level

+0.12 m by 2030

At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.

Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as improved drainage systems and flood barriers.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement regular hazard reduction burns and educate residents on bushfire safety measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Near-term

Establish cooling centers and provide support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to adopt water-saving practices to reduce strain on water resources during drier periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Macquarie Pass's Climate Risk Profile

Macquarie Pass, located in the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, is characterized by its lush forests and mountainous terrain. This unique geography contributes to the suburb's vulnerability to specific climate-related hazards.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the presence of waterways and the potential for intense rainfall events. The risk is projected to increase with climate change, potentially impacting infrastructure and residential areas. Bushfire risk is also high, given the proximity to dense bushland. Hotter and drier conditions are expected to worsen this risk, posing a threat to properties and the natural environment.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, impacting vulnerable populations and increasing energy demand. While coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location, the broader regional impacts of climate change can still affect the community.

Adapting to these changing conditions is crucial for ensuring the long-term resilience of Macquarie Pass. This includes implementing effective flood management strategies, reducing bushfire risk through hazard reduction burns, and preparing for more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Macquarie Pass?

The primary climate risks include flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your home, maintain gutters, and have a bushfire survival plan in place. Refer to the RFS website for detailed guidance.

What should I do during a flood?

Stay informed about flood warnings, avoid driving through floodwaters, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Follow instructions from emergency services.

Where can I find information about local flood maps?

Flood maps are available on the Wingecarribee Shire Council website.

How is the council addressing climate change?

The council is developing and implementing climate strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Visit the council website for more information.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Macquarie Pass, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

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Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections