Climate Risk Profile: Mount Kembla, NSW
Mount Kembla is a suburb in New South Wales that faces significant climate risks, particularly from bushfires and flooding. The risk scores are projected to increase by 2030 and 2050 due to climate change.
Is Mount Kembla Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Mount Kembla, 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 Mount Kembla
Flood
Mount Kembla has a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to creeks and the potential for heavy rainfall. Properties near waterways are particularly vulnerable.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Mount Kembla faces a high risk of bushfires due to its location surrounded by bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Mount Kembla experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves expected in the future.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Mount Kembla has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Mount Kembla
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
Mount Kembla experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves expected in the future.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Mount Kembla has a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to creeks and the potential for heavy rainfall. Properties near waterways are particularly vulnerable.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
coastal Risk
Mount Kembla has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
bushfire Risk
Mount Kembla faces a high risk of bushfires due to its location surrounded by bushland. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
- ·Climate change
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the high bushfire and flood risk.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
- 3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand coverage limitations.
- 4.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.
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-termUpgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood-proofing measures for vulnerable properties.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
ImmediateImplement bushfire management plans, conduct hazard reduction burns, and improve community education.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop Heatwave Response Plan
Near-termEstablish cooling centers, provide public health advice, and ensure access to water during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreStrengthen Building Codes
Long-termUpdate building codes to require more resilient construction materials and designs that can withstand extreme weather events.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreCommunity Awareness Programs
Near-termEducate residents about climate risks and preparedness measures through workshops and online resources.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Mount Kembla's Climate Risk Profile
Mount Kembla, nestled in the Illawarra region of New South Wales, is a suburb with a rich history and a unique natural environment. However, like many areas in Australia, it is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The primary climate risks for Mount Kembla are bushfires and flooding. The suburb's location, surrounded by dense bushland, makes it highly susceptible to bushfires, especially during dry and windy conditions. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these conditions, leading to more frequent and intense bushfire seasons.
Flooding is another significant concern, with the potential for heavy rainfall to cause flash flooding in low-lying areas and near creeks. Urban development and changes in land use can also contribute to increased flood risk.
While coastal risks are relatively low due to the suburb's distance from the coast, the impacts of climate change, such as rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, will affect the community. These changes can have implications for public health, infrastructure, and the local economy.
Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mitigation efforts focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down the pace of climate change, while adaptation measures aim to build resilience and minimize the impacts of unavoidable changes. These strategies include improving building standards, enhancing emergency response capabilities, and promoting community awareness and preparedness.
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
Wollongong City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Mount Kembla?
The main climate change risks for Mount Kembla are bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.
How will climate change affect property values in Mount Kembla?
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased insurance premiums and potential damage from extreme weather events.
What can I do to prepare for bushfires in Mount Kembla?
You can prepare for bushfires by creating a bushfire survival plan, clearing vegetation around your home, and staying informed about fire danger ratings.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Mount Kembla?
You can find information about flood risks on the Wollongong City Council website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Mount Kembla?
Wollongong City Council is implementing various strategies to address climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving infrastructure resilience, and promoting community awareness.
Are there any community groups in Mount Kembla focused on climate action?
Yes, there are several local community groups and environmental organizations in the Wollongong region that are actively involved in climate action and sustainability initiatives. Check the Wollongong City Council website for a list of local groups.
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 Mount Kembla, 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