Climate Risk Profile: Smithfield, NSW
Smithfield is a suburb in Western Sydney that faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. While bushfire and coastal risks are low, the increasing intensity of rainfall and rising temperatures pose challenges for the community. Adaptation measures are necessary to mitigate these risks and ensure the suburb's long-term resilience.
Is Smithfield Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Smithfield, 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 Smithfield
Flood
Smithfield faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and relatively flat terrain. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Bushfire risk in Smithfield is relatively low due to the suburb's urban nature and limited vegetation. However, surrounding areas with more bushland pose a potential threat.
Key drivers:
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
Heat
Smithfield experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the problem, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas.
Key drivers:
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Climate change
Coastal
Smithfield is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as 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 Smithfield
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
Smithfield experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the problem, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Climate change
- ·Lack of green spaces
flood Risk
Smithfield faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and relatively flat terrain. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
coastal Risk
Smithfield is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea-level rise or coastal erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from the coast
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk in Smithfield is relatively low due to the suburb's urban nature and limited vegetation. However, surrounding areas with more bushland pose a potential threat.
Primary Drivers
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price stagnation or decline.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.
- 4.Review 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
Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure
Near-termInvest in improved drainage systems to reduce the risk of flash flooding during heavy rainfall events.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreIncrease green spaces and tree canopy cover
Near-termPlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImplement a heatwave early warning system
ImmediateDevelop a system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide advice on how to stay safe.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreRetrofit homes with energy-efficient features
Long-termEncourage residents to install insulation, double-glazed windows, and solar panels to reduce energy consumption and improve thermal comfort.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreCommunity education programs
ImmediateRun workshops and distribute information on preparing for floods, bushfires and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Smithfield's Climate Risk Profile
Smithfield, located in the Cumberland local government area of New South Wales, is primarily threatened by flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's relatively flat terrain and proximity to waterways make it susceptible to inundation during heavy rainfall events. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding.
Heatwaves are another significant concern for Smithfield. The urban environment contributes to the urban heat island effect, resulting in higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas. This can lead to heat stress and other health problems, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
While the risk of bushfires is relatively low due to the suburb's urban nature, surrounding areas with more vegetation pose a potential threat. It is important to maintain adequate firebreaks and implement bushfire prevention measures to protect properties and lives.
Coastal risks are minimal in Smithfield due to its inland location. However, the suburb may indirectly experience the impacts of climate change through disruptions to supply chains and other economic activities.
Addressing these climate risks requires a comprehensive approach that includes investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, increasing green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect, and implementing community awareness programs to promote preparedness and resilience.
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
Cumberland City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Smithfield?
The main climate change risks in Smithfield are flooding, heatwaves, and to a lesser extent, bushfires. The suburb is vulnerable to flash flooding during heavy rainfall events, and the urban heat island effect exacerbates the impact of heatwaves.
How is the council addressing climate change in Smithfield?
Cumberland City Council has developed a climate change strategy that outlines actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, increasing green spaces, and promoting energy efficiency.
What can I do to prepare for a flood in Smithfield?
To prepare for a flood, you should develop a flood plan, know your flood risk, and have an emergency kit ready. You can also sign up for flood warnings and consider purchasing flood insurance.
How can I stay safe during a heatwave in Smithfield?
During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, stay cool, and avoid strenuous activity. You should also check on vulnerable neighbors and friends, and seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of heat stress.
Is my property in Smithfield at risk of bushfire?
Some properties in Smithfield are located in bushfire-prone areas. If your property is adjacent to bushland, you should maintain firebreaks, have a bushfire survival plan, and be aware of fire danger ratings.
Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Smithfield?
You can find more information about climate change risks in Smithfield on the Cumberland City Council website, the NSW State Emergency Service website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.
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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