Climate Risk Profile: Scarborough, NSW
Scarborough, NSW, faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly in the long term. Residents should take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions.
Is Scarborough Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Scarborough, 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 Scarborough
Flood
Scarborough faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential coastal inundation. The risk is influenced by the proximity to waterways and low-lying areas.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Scarborough is relatively high due to the presence of nearby bushland and vegetation. Hot, dry conditions during the fire season can exacerbate the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Scarborough is susceptible to heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures can pose health risks to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Located near the coast, Scarborough is exposed to coastal erosion and sea level rise. These factors can impact infrastructure and property values.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Scarborough
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
Scarborough is susceptible to heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures can pose health risks to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Scarborough faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential coastal inundation. The risk is influenced by the proximity to waterways and low-lying areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Located near the coast, Scarborough is exposed to coastal erosion and sea level rise. These factors can impact infrastructure and property values.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Scarborough is relatively high due to the presence of nearby bushland and vegetation. Hot, dry conditions during the fire season can exacerbate the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to climate risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience price fluctuations.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal erosion and sea level rise.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of climate change on insurance premiums.
- 4.Inquire about 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
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, such as improved drainage systems and flood barriers.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreBushfire Preparedness
ImmediateImplement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing and community education programs.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreHeatwave Action Plan
Near-termDevelop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCoastal Management Strategy
Long-termDevelop a long-term coastal management strategy to address erosion and sea level rise.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreCommunity Awareness Programs
Near-termEducate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures through community workshops and online resources.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Scarborough's Climate Risk Profile
Scarborough, located in New South Wales, is exposed to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to waterways and the coast makes it vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion. Additionally, the presence of nearby bushland increases the risk of bushfires, especially during hot and dry periods.
Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Climate change is projected to intensify these risks, with more extreme weather events and rising sea levels expected in the coming decades.
Understanding these risks is crucial for homeowners, businesses, and local authorities to make informed decisions about adaptation and mitigation strategies. By taking proactive measures, such as improving building resilience, implementing early warning systems, and promoting sustainable land management practices, Scarborough can reduce its vulnerability to climate change impacts.
It is important to stay informed about the latest climate projections and seek guidance from relevant government agencies and experts. Collaboration between the community, local council, and emergency services is essential to ensure a coordinated and effective response to climate-related challenges.
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 Scarborough?
Scarborough faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, which are expected to worsen with climate change.
How will sea level rise affect Scarborough?
Sea level rise could lead to increased coastal erosion and inundation of low-lying areas in Scarborough.
What can I do to prepare for bushfires in Scarborough?
Clear vegetation around your property, have a bushfire survival plan, and stay informed about fire danger ratings.
How can I stay safe during a heatwave in Scarborough?
Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.
Where can I find information about local flood risks in Scarborough?
Contact the local council or the NSW State Emergency Service for information about flood risks and flood maps.
Is my property in Scarborough likely to be affected by climate change?
Properties near the coast, waterways, or bushland are more likely to be affected. Check with council for specific risk assessments.
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 Scarborough, 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