Climate Risk in Monterey, NSW

Monterey, New South Wales· Bayside· 2217
Updated May 2026

Monterey is a suburb in Sydney facing moderate climate risks, particularly from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity are key drivers of these risks, potentially impacting property values and community well-being.

Is Monterey Safe from Climate Risk?

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

Flood

Monterey faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Botany Bay and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and potential inundation.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity

Bushfire

Bushfire risk in Monterey is relatively low due to the suburb's urban environment and limited vegetation. However, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential concern.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High winds

Heat

Monterey experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Urban heat island effect can exacerbate temperatures, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Monterey is exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to inundation during storm surges and high tides.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Monterey

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Monterey experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Urban heat island effect can exacerbate temperatures, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Lack of green space
Data source

flood Risk

Monterey faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Botany Bay and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and potential inundation.

Primary Drivers

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

coastal Risk

Monterey is exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to inundation during storm surges and high tides.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Coastal erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

Bushfire risk in Monterey is relatively low due to the suburb's urban environment and limited vegetation. However, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential concern.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High winds
  • ·Ignition sources
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased flood and coastal risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and council records for flood risk.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to sea level rise and coastal erosion.
  • 3.Consider the potential impact of heatwaves on energy costs and health.
  • 4.Review insurance options and premiums.

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 stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Increase green space

Near-term

Plant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen coastal defenses

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to reduce the risk of coastal erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a heatwave response plan

Immediate

Create a community heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Raise awareness of climate risks

Immediate

Educate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Monterey's Climate Risk Profile

Monterey, located in the Bayside area of Sydney, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's proximity to Botany Bay makes it susceptible to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges. Low-lying areas are at particular risk of inundation, potentially affecting residential and commercial properties.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of Monterey residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban heat island effect can exacerbate these conditions, leading to higher energy consumption for cooling and increased strain on healthcare services.

Changes in rainfall patterns, including more intense rainfall events, can lead to increased stormwater runoff and flooding. This can damage infrastructure, disrupt transportation, and pose risks to public safety. Effective stormwater management and flood mitigation measures are crucial to protect the community.

While bushfire risk is relatively low, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential concern. Maintaining vegetation and implementing fire safety measures can help reduce the risk of property damage and ensure community preparedness.

Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort involving local government, residents, and businesses. Implementing adaptation strategies, such as improving drainage infrastructure, increasing green space, and promoting energy efficiency, can help build resilience and protect the long-term sustainability of Monterey.

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 Monterey?

Monterey faces risks from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards due to its location near Botany Bay and its urban environment.

How will sea level rise affect Monterey?

Sea level rise can lead to increased coastal erosion and inundation of low-lying areas, potentially affecting properties and infrastructure.

What is the urban heat island effect and how does it impact Monterey?

The urban heat island effect causes cities to be warmer than surrounding rural areas, exacerbating heatwaves and increasing energy consumption for cooling.

What is Bayside Council doing to address climate change?

Bayside Council has a sustainability strategy that includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

How can I prepare for a heatwave in Monterey?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Monterey?

You can find flood maps and information on the Bayside Council website and the NSW State Emergency Service 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 Monterey, use our analysis tool.

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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

Climate Risk in Monterey, NSW | ClimateNest