Climate Risk Assessment: Matheson, NSW

Matheson, New South Wales
Updated May 2026

Matheson faces increasing risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves due to climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Is Matheson Safe from Climate Risk?

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

Flood

Matheson faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use

Bushfire

The area around Matheson has a high bushfire risk due to the proximity of bushland. Hot, dry conditions exacerbate the risk during bushfire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation

Heat

Matheson is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Matheson is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Matheson

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Matheson is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

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

flood Risk

Matheson faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
  • ·Aging drainage infrastructure
Data source

coastal Risk

Matheson is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Data source

bushfire Risk

The area around Matheson has a high bushfire risk due to the proximity of bushland. Hot, dry conditions exacerbate the risk during bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Stronger winds
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heat
  • 3.Review insurance options and costs
  • 4.Consider long-term climate risks

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

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood-proofing measures for vulnerable properties.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Create and maintain firebreaks, develop a bushfire survival plan, and ensure adequate insurance coverage.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Heatwave Management

Near-term

Establish cooling centers, provide public awareness campaigns on heat safety, and improve building insulation.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Resilience Programs

Long-term

Develop community-based programs to support vulnerable populations during extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Sustainable Urban Planning

Long-term

Incorporate climate change considerations into urban planning and development decisions.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Matheson's Climate Risk Profile

Matheson is located in a region that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding from more intense rainfall events, a heightened bushfire threat due to drier conditions and prolonged heatwaves, and the direct impacts of rising temperatures on human health and infrastructure.

The risk of flooding is expected to increase as rainfall patterns become more erratic and intense. This can lead to damage to property, disruption of services, and potential displacement of residents. Low-lying areas are particularly susceptible.

Bushfire risk is also a significant concern, with hotter, drier conditions creating a more flammable environment. The proximity of bushland increases the likelihood of bushfires impacting the suburb, posing a threat to lives and property.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves will place additional stress on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Infrastructure, including power grids and transportation networks, may also be affected.

While Matheson is not directly on the coast, the broader regional impacts of coastal erosion and sea-level rise could indirectly affect the suburb through economic and social disruptions.

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 Matheson?

The main risks are increased flooding, more frequent and intense bushfires, and more severe heatwaves.

How can I prepare my home for a flood?

Consider flood-proofing measures, elevate appliances, and have an evacuation plan.

What should I include in my bushfire survival plan?

Clear vegetation around your home, have a water supply, and know your evacuation route.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Where can I find more information about local climate change initiatives?

Check the local council website and attend community meetings.

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

While Matheson has many positive attributes, it's important to consider the increasing climate risks and factor them into your investment decision. Consult with local experts and review available climate data.

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 Matheson, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Matheson'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