Climate Risk in Pooncarie, New South Wales

Pooncarie, New South Wales· Wentworth Shire Council· 2648
Updated May 2026

Pooncarie faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly in relation to heat and flooding. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Is Pooncarie Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Pooncarie, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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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 Pooncarie

Flood

Pooncarie faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Darling River. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine overflow

Bushfire

The area around Pooncarie has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and sparse vegetation. Hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of fire.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures

Heat

Pooncarie experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Pooncarie is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Pooncarie

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Pooncarie experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover
Data source

flood Risk

Pooncarie faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Darling River. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine overflow
  • ·Climate change
Data source

coastal Risk

Pooncarie is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast
Data source

bushfire Risk

The area around Pooncarie has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and sparse vegetation. Hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of fire.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Properties in low-lying areas may experience price reductions due to flood risk.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider bushfire risk mitigation measures.

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-term

Invest in levees and drainage systems to protect low-lying areas from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire risk reduction measures, such as controlled burns and vegetation management, and ensure residents are prepared for bushfire season.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Upgrade Water Infrastructure

Long-term

Invest in water infrastructure to ensure a reliable water supply during droughts and heatwaves.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Pooncarie's Climate Risk Profile

Pooncarie, located in the far west of New South Wales, is susceptible to a range of climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding from the Darling River and increasing heatwave frequency and intensity. Bushfire risk is also present due to the surrounding dry vegetation.

Flooding events can inundate low-lying areas of Pooncarie, disrupting infrastructure and impacting residents. Climate change is projected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially leading to more severe and frequent flooding events. Effective flood management strategies are crucial for mitigating these risks.

Heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of Pooncarie residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. As temperatures rise, the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses increases. Implementing heat action plans and providing cooling centers can help protect vulnerable populations.

While Pooncarie is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, could indirectly affect the community. Adapting to these changes will require a coordinated effort from local government, residents, and businesses.

Addressing climate change risks in Pooncarie requires a multi-faceted approach, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing adaptation measures, and raising community awareness. By taking proactive steps, Pooncarie can build resilience and protect its residents from the impacts of a changing climate.

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 Pooncarie?

The main climate change risks in Pooncarie are flooding from the Darling River, increasing heatwave frequency and intensity, and bushfire risk.

How will climate change affect property values in Pooncarie?

Properties in low-lying areas may experience price reductions due to flood risk. Increased heatwave frequency could also impact property values.

What is the local council doing to address climate change?

Wentworth Shire Council is developing and implementing climate change strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Pooncarie?

Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings or cooling centers.

What should I do if my property is at risk of flooding?

Check flood maps, obtain flood insurance, and develop a flood emergency plan. Follow the advice of the NSW State Emergency Service during flood events.

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 Pooncarie, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

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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 Pooncarie, NSW | ClimateNest