Climate Risk Assessment for Merimbula, NSW
Merimbula is a coastal town in New South Wales that faces several climate-related risks. These risks include flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. The overall risk score for Merimbula is moderate, and the risks are projected to increase in the future.
Is Merimbula Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Merimbula, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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Overall Risk Score
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 Merimbula
Flood
Merimbula faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its coastal location and proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
The area around Merimbula 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
Merimbula 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
Merimbula faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. These hazards can impact infrastructure, property, and natural ecosystems.
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 Merimbula
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Merimbula 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
flood Risk
Merimbula faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its coastal location and proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Merimbula faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. These hazards can impact infrastructure, property, and natural ecosystems.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
bushfire Risk
The area around Merimbula 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
- ·Stronger winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to climate change risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area maps.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to climate change impacts.
- 3.Consider the potential for increased insurance premiums.
- 4.Inquire about council plans for climate change adaptation.
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
Upgrade flood defenses
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees and drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImprove bushfire management
ImmediateImplement measures to reduce the risk of bushfires, such as controlled burns and vegetation management.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave early warning system
Near-termImplement a system to alert residents to impending heatwaves and provide advice on how to stay safe.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreProtect coastal areas
Long-termImplement measures to protect coastal areas from erosion, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreCommunity Education Programs
Near-termEducate the community about climate change risks and adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Merimbula's Climate Risk Profile
Merimbula, located on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales, is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches, waterways, and natural beauty. However, the town is also vulnerable to a range of climate change impacts.
Flooding is a significant concern for Merimbula, particularly due to its coastal location and proximity to rivers and creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding, which can damage property and infrastructure. Sea level rise is also expected to exacerbate the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
The area around Merimbula is also susceptible to bushfires, especially during hot, dry periods. The presence of surrounding bushland increases the risk of bushfires spreading to populated areas. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires in the region.
Heatwaves are another growing concern for Merimbula. As global temperatures rise, the town is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, which can pose a risk to human health, particularly for vulnerable populations. Coastal erosion is also a threat to Merimbula's beaches and foreshore areas. Sea level rise and increased storm intensity can accelerate coastal erosion, which can damage property and infrastructure.
Addressing these climate change risks will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. Adaptation measures include building flood defenses, improving bushfire management practices, and implementing heatwave early warning systems. Mitigation measures include reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down the rate of 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
Bega Valley Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing Merimbula?
Merimbula faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion.
How is climate change expected to impact property values in Merimbula?
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
What is the council doing to address climate change risks in Merimbula?
The Bega Valley Shire Council is developing and implementing climate change adaptation strategies.
What can I do to protect my property from flooding in Merimbula?
Consider installing flood defenses, such as levees and drainage systems.
How can I prepare for a bushfire in Merimbula?
Clear vegetation around your property and have a bushfire survival plan.
Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Merimbula?
Consult the Bega Valley Shire Council website and the NSW government's climate change website.
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 Merimbula, use our analysis tool.
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What A$49 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections