Climate Risk Assessment: Oxley Island, NSW

Oxley Island, New South Wales
Updated May 2026

Oxley Island faces increasing risks from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to climate change. The island's low elevation and proximity to the Manning River make it particularly vulnerable to flooding. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Is Oxley Island Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Oxley Island, 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 Oxley Island

Flood

Oxley Island is at a high risk of flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to the Manning River. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

Oxley Island has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its island location and limited vegetation. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could increase the risk in the future.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

Oxley Island is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This will increase the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Coastal

Oxley Island is vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise. Climate change is expected to accelerate these processes, threatening infrastructure and ecosystems.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Oxley Island

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Oxley Island is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This will increase the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Data source

flood Risk

Oxley Island is at a high risk of flooding due to its low elevation and proximity to the Manning River. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Low-lying topography
Data source

coastal Risk

Oxley Island is vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise. Climate change is expected to accelerate these processes, threatening infrastructure and ecosystems.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
  • ·Coastal erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

Oxley Island has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its island location and limited vegetation. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could increase the risk in the future.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increasing premiums due to flood risk.

Price Impact

Potential for decreased property values in flood-prone areas.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood history of the property.
  • 2.Assess the property's elevation and drainage.
  • 3.Obtain a building inspection report.
  • 4.Review insurance options and costs.
  • 5.Understand local 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

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing measures to protect homes and businesses from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Near-term

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Protect Coastal Areas

Near-term

Implement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to reduce erosion and protect infrastructure.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Raise Awareness and Educate Residents

Long-term

Provide residents with information about climate risks and how to prepare for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Oxley Island's Climate Risk Profile

Oxley Island, located in the Manning River, is a low-lying area susceptible to various climate-related hazards. The primary concern is flooding, with the island frequently experiencing inundation during heavy rainfall events. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity and frequency of these events, posing a significant threat to residents and infrastructure.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are also a growing concern. The island's location can exacerbate the effects of heat, making it crucial for residents to take precautions during hot weather. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk.

Coastal erosion and sea level rise are additional challenges for Oxley Island. The island's coastline is already experiencing erosion, and climate change is expected to accelerate this process. This could lead to the loss of land and damage to coastal infrastructure.

Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach, including improved flood management, heatwave preparedness, and coastal protection measures. Community engagement and education are also essential to ensure that residents are aware of the risks and how to prepare for them. Sustainable development practices are needed to minimize the impact of climate change on Oxley Island.

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 for Oxley Island?

The main risks are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. Flooding is the most immediate threat due to the island's low elevation and proximity to the Manning River. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, and coastal erosion is gradually impacting the island's coastline.

How can I prepare my home for flooding?

Consider flood-proofing measures such as raising electrical outlets, installing a sump pump, and using water-resistant materials. Keep sandbags on hand and develop a flood evacuation plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments if possible. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Is property insurance available for flood-prone properties on Oxley Island?

Yes, but premiums are likely to be higher due to the increased risk of flooding. Shop around for the best rates and consider flood insurance options offered by the government.

What is the local council doing to address climate change risks on Oxley Island?

The local council is developing climate adaptation plans to address the risks of flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These plans may include infrastructure improvements, community education programs, and emergency response measures. Contact the council for more information.

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 Oxley Island, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Oxley Island'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

Climate Risk Profile for Oxley Island, NSW | ClimateNest