Climate Risk Profile: Ourimbah, NSW
Ourimbah faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is Ourimbah Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Ourimbah, 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 Ourimbah
Flood
Ourimbah faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Ourimbah Creek and other waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development increasing runoff
Bushfire
Ourimbah 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:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Ourimbah is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This will increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Ourimbah has a low coastal risk as it is located inland and is not directly exposed to sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Key drivers:
- ·Distance from the coast
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Ourimbah
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
Ourimbah is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This will increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Ourimbah faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Ourimbah Creek and other waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development increasing runoff
- ·Climate change
coastal Risk
Ourimbah has a low coastal risk as it is located inland and is not directly exposed to sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from the coast
bushfire Risk
Ourimbah 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
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Windy conditions
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risk.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
- 4.Consider future climate change impacts when making purchasing decisions.
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-termInvest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as improved drainage systems and flood barriers.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreBushfire Preparedness
ImmediateClear vegetation around properties, develop a bushfire survival plan, and stay informed about fire danger ratings.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreHeatwave Preparedness
ImmediateInstall air conditioning or fans, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity during heatwaves. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreSustainable Urban Planning
Long-termImplement sustainable urban planning practices to reduce the urban heat island effect and minimize the impact of development on flood risk.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout Ourimbah's Climate Risk Profile
Ourimbah, located on the Central Coast of New South Wales, is susceptible to several climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to Ourimbah Creek makes it vulnerable to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity and frequency of these rainfall events, leading to a higher risk of flash flooding and riverine flooding.
The presence of surrounding bushland also poses a bushfire risk to Ourimbah. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can create ideal conditions for bushfires to spread rapidly. Residents should be aware of the bushfire risk and take steps to prepare their properties.
Heatwaves are another significant concern for Ourimbah. As global temperatures continue to rise, the suburb is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This will increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
While Ourimbah is located inland and is not directly exposed to sea level rise or coastal erosion, the impacts of climate change will still be felt throughout the region. Residents should take steps to adapt to these changes and reduce their carbon footprint.
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
Central Coast Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks facing Ourimbah?
Ourimbah faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events.
How can I prepare my property for flooding in Ourimbah?
Check if your property is in a flood-prone area, and take steps to protect it, such as installing flood barriers and elevating appliances.
What should I do during a heatwave in Ourimbah?
Stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint in Ourimbah?
Use public transport, cycle or walk instead of driving, conserve energy at home, and support local businesses that are committed to sustainability.
Where can I find more information about climate change in Ourimbah?
You can find more information on the Central Coast Council website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO website.
Get your property's risk report
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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