Climate Risk Profile: Matcham, NSW

Matcham, New South Wales· Central Coast· 2250
Updated May 2026

Matcham is a suburb on the Central Coast of New South Wales that faces several climate-related risks. These include flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. The risk scores are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.

Is Matcham Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Matcham, 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 Matcham

Flood

Matcham faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development

Bushfire

Matcham has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation

Heat

Matcham is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This can pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Matcham faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise and storm surges. This can lead to erosion and inundation of low-lying coastal areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Matcham

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Matcham is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This can pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

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

flood Risk

Matcham faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change
Data source

coastal Risk

Matcham faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise and storm surges. This can lead to erosion and inundation of low-lying coastal areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Climate change
Data source

bushfire Risk

Matcham has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Climate change
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Property values in high-risk areas may be affected.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider potential impacts of sea level rise.
  • 4.Review insurance options and costs.

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 management infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems and build flood levees to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement bushfire mitigation measures

Immediate

Clear vegetation around homes and create firebreaks to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a heatwave response plan

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect coastal areas from sea level rise

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to protect properties from erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Near-term

Encourage residents to conserve water through rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation practices.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Matcham's Climate Risk Profile

Matcham, located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, is a suburb that is vulnerable to a range of climate change impacts. The suburb's proximity to waterways and bushland increases its risk of flooding and bushfires. Rising temperatures and sea levels also pose a threat to the community.

Flooding is a significant concern for Matcham, as intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding. The increasing frequency and intensity of these events due to climate change will exacerbate the risk. Bushfires are also a threat, particularly during hot, dry conditions. The presence of surrounding bushland increases the likelihood of bushfires spreading to residential areas.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Matcham, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Rising temperatures can lead to heat stress and other health problems. Sea level rise and storm surges also threaten coastal areas of Matcham, leading to erosion and inundation.

Addressing these climate change risks requires a coordinated effort from the community, local government, and state government. This includes implementing adaptation measures to reduce the impacts of climate change, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate future climate change.

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 change risks in Matcham?

Matcham faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards due to climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Matcham?

Property values in high-risk areas may be affected by climate change impacts, such as flooding and bushfires.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Matcham?

Central Coast Council is developing and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.

How can I prepare my home for climate change impacts in Matcham?

You can prepare your home by implementing flood mitigation measures, clearing vegetation around your property, and installing energy-efficient appliances.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Matcham?

You can find more information on the Central Coast Council website, the NSW government website, and the CSIRO website.

Is Matcham a good place to invest in property considering climate change?

While Matcham offers a desirable lifestyle, potential investors should carefully consider the identified climate risks and factor in potential adaptation costs. Consulting with local experts and reviewing council planning documents is advisable.

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 Matcham, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Matcham's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

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