Climate Risk in North Bourke, New South Wales

North Bourke, New South Wales· Bourke Shire Council
Updated May 2026

North Bourke faces significant climate risks, particularly from heatwaves and flooding. The area is also susceptible to bushfires. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Is North Bourke Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for North Bourke, 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 North Bourke

Flood

North Bourke faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Darling River and flat terrain. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine overflow

Bushfire

The area surrounding North Bourke has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of grasslands and sparse vegetation. Hot, dry conditions exacerbate the risk during summer.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures

Heat

North Bourke experiences high heat risk with extremely hot summers and frequent heatwaves. This poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Coastal

North Bourke is located far inland and has a negligible risk from coastal hazards.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

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Energy

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In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for North Bourke

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

North Bourke experiences high heat risk with extremely hot summers and frequent heatwaves. This poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

North Bourke faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Darling River and flat terrain. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine overflow
  • ·Inadequate drainage
Data source

coastal Risk

North Bourke is located far inland and has a negligible risk from coastal hazards.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast
Data source

bushfire Risk

The area surrounding North Bourke has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of grasslands and sparse vegetation. Hot, dry conditions exacerbate the risk during summer.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades to reduce cooling costs.

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 heatwave management plan

Immediate

Implement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as cooling centers and community outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade flood defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure improvements to mitigate flood risks, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement bushfire mitigation measures

Near-term

Clear vegetation around properties and develop bushfire evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage water-saving practices to address drought risks.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve building energy efficiency

Long-term

Retrofit existing buildings with insulation and energy-efficient appliances to reduce cooling demand.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About North Bourke's Climate Risk Profile

North Bourke, located in western New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include escalating heatwaves, increased flooding along the Darling River, and a moderate threat from bushfires.

Rising temperatures are a major concern, with summers becoming hotter and longer. This poses health risks, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves will strain local resources and infrastructure.

Flooding is another significant threat. The Darling River, which runs near North Bourke, is prone to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flood events. This can disrupt transportation, damage property, and pose risks to human safety.

Bushfire risk is also present, particularly during dry periods. The surrounding grasslands and sparse vegetation can fuel fires, which can spread rapidly under strong winds. Residents need to be vigilant and prepared for potential bushfire emergencies.

Adapting to these climate risks will require a multi-faceted approach, including infrastructure improvements, community education, and emergency preparedness measures. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is also crucial to mitigate the long-term impacts 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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in North Bourke?

The main risks are increasing heatwaves, flooding from the Darling River, and bushfires.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in North Bourke?

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

What should I do during a flood in North Bourke?

Follow the instructions of emergency services, evacuate if necessary, and move valuables to higher ground.

How can I protect my property from bushfires in North Bourke?

Clear vegetation around your home, have a bushfire survival plan, and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.

Where can I find information about emergency services in North Bourke?

Visit the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) website or contact your local council.

Is North Bourke likely to experience more droughts in the future?

Climate projections suggest that the region may experience more frequent and intense droughts in the future. Conserving water is important.

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 North Bourke, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check North Bourke'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