Climate Risk in Merrigal, New South Wales

Merrigal, New South Wales
Updated May 2026

Merrigal faces significant climate risks, particularly from bushfires and heatwaves. Flooding is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events in the future.

Is Merrigal Safe from Climate Risk?

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

Flood

Merrigal faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

Merrigal has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

Merrigal is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Merrigal is not located near the coast and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

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 Merrigal

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Merrigal is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Merrigal faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development
Data source

coastal Risk

Merrigal is not located near the coast and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast
Data source

bushfire Risk

Merrigal has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

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

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone areas.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Obtain a comprehensive insurance quote.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

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

Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan

Immediate

Create a detailed plan for protecting your family and property in the event of a bushfire. Clear vegetation around your home and prepare an emergency kit.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve Home Cooling

Near-term

Install air conditioning or fans to stay cool during heatwaves. Insulate your home to reduce heat gain and consider planting trees for shade.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Flood-Proof Your Home

Near-term

Raise electrical outlets and appliances above flood level. Install flood barriers and improve drainage around your property.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Support Renewable Energy

Long-term

Advocate for policies that promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Consider installing solar panels on your home.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Participate in Community Climate Action

Long-term

Join local groups working to address climate change. Advocate for climate-friendly policies and support sustainable businesses.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Merrigal's Climate Risk Profile

Merrigal is a suburb in New South Wales that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks are bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades.

Bushfire risk is high due to the suburb's proximity to bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce fuel loads and have a bushfire survival plan.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a threat to vulnerable populations. It is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on elderly neighbors during heatwaves.

Flooding is a concern due to increased rainfall intensity. Residents should be aware of flood warnings and have a plan in place to evacuate if necessary.

Addressing climate change requires both individual and community action. Residents can reduce their carbon footprint by using public transport, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable businesses. The local council is developing strategies to mitigate and adapt to 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 Merrigal?

The main climate change risks in Merrigal are bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding. These risks are expected to increase in the coming decades due to changes in temperature and rainfall patterns.

How can I prepare my home for a bushfire?

To prepare your home for a bushfire, clear vegetation around your home, maintain your gutters, and have a bushfire survival plan. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on elderly neighbors. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

How can I reduce my carbon footprint?

You can reduce your carbon footprint by using public transport, conserving energy, and supporting sustainable businesses. Consider installing solar panels on your home and reducing your consumption of meat.

What is the local council doing to address climate change?

The local council is developing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. These strategies may include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and preparing for extreme weather events. Check the council's website for more information.

Where can I find information about local flood risks?

Information about local flood risks can be found on the council's website and the NSW State Emergency Service website. These resources provide flood maps and advice on how to prepare for floods.

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 Merrigal, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Merrigal'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