Climate Risk Profile: Riverwood, NSW
Riverwood is a suburb in Sydney facing moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to the Georges River increases its vulnerability to flooding, while the urban environment contributes to the urban heat island effect.
Is Riverwood Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Riverwood, 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 Riverwood
Flood
Riverwood faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Georges River and other waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Riverwood is relatively low due to its urban environment and distance from large bushland areas. However, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential threat.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High winds
Heat
Riverwood experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the risk, leading to higher temperatures and increased heat stress.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Riverwood has a very low risk of coastal hazards due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to the suburb.
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 Riverwood
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
Riverwood experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the risk, leading to higher temperatures and increased heat stress.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Reduced green space
flood Risk
Riverwood faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Georges River and other waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Sea level rise
coastal Risk
Riverwood has a very low risk of coastal hazards due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to the suburb.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Riverwood is relatively low due to its urban environment and distance from large bushland areas. However, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential threat.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High winds
- ·Arson
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Premiums may increase due to flood risk.
Price Impact
Potential for minor price adjustments in flood-prone areas.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess property's heat resilience.
- 3.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.
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
Upgrade stormwater infrastructure
Near-termInvest in improved drainage systems to reduce the risk of flash flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreIncrease green space
Near-termPlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave management plan
ImmediateImplement strategies to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, such as cooling centers and community outreach programs.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreRaise awareness about flood risks
Near-termEducate residents about flood risks and preparedness measures.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePromote water-sensitive urban design
Long-termEncourage the use of permeable pavements and rainwater harvesting to reduce stormwater runoff.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Riverwood's Climate Risk Profile
Riverwood, located in the St George area of Sydney, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks are associated with flooding and heatwaves, which are projected to worsen in the coming decades.
The suburb's location near the Georges River makes it susceptible to both riverine and flash flooding. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, is expected to exacerbate these risks. Urban development and reduced green space further contribute to the problem by increasing stormwater runoff.
Heatwaves are another significant concern for Riverwood residents. The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and paved surfaces, leads to higher temperatures and increased heat stress, particularly during the summer months. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, are especially at risk.
While the risk of bushfires is relatively low, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential threat. Coastal hazards are not a significant concern due to the suburb's distance from the coastline.
Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. Investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, increasing green space, and implementing heatwave management plans are crucial steps to protect the community and enhance its resilience to 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 risks in Riverwood?
The main climate risks in Riverwood are flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to the Georges River increases its vulnerability to flooding, while the urban environment contributes to the urban heat island effect, leading to higher temperatures during heatwaves.
How will climate change affect property values in Riverwood?
Climate change may have a minor impact on property values in flood-prone areas. Buyers should check flood maps and insurance costs before purchasing a property.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Riverwood?
During heatwaves, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Consider installing energy-efficient air conditioning and insulation to reduce your home's heat load.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Riverwood?
You can find information about flood risks on the NSW Environment website and the local council's website. The SES also provides valuable resources and advice on flood preparedness.
Is Riverwood in a bushfire-prone area?
Yes, Riverwood is considered to be in a bushfire-prone area. Residents should be aware of the risks and take steps to prepare their properties for bushfires.
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 Riverwood, 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