Climate Risk in Smithtown, NSW
Smithtown, NSW, faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves. Its proximity to the Macleay River makes it vulnerable to riverine flooding, while rising temperatures exacerbate heat-related risks. Bushfire risk is moderate, and sea level rise could indirectly increase flood risk.
Is Smithtown Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Smithtown, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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
Not ready to check your address? See a free sample report →
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 Smithtown
Flood
Smithtown is located near the Macleay River and is susceptible to flooding. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise affecting river flow
Bushfire
The area surrounding Smithtown has some bushland, posing a moderate bushfire risk, especially during dry periods.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Heat
Smithtown experiences hot summers, and the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are projected to increase.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Smithtown is located inland, but sea level rise could affect the Macleay River and increase flood risk.
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 Smithtown
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
Smithtown experiences hot summers, and the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are projected to increase.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Smithtown is located near the Macleay River and is susceptible to flooding. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise affecting river flow
coastal Risk
Smithtown is located inland, but sea level rise could affect the Macleay River and increase flood risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
bushfire Risk
The area surrounding Smithtown has some bushland, posing a moderate bushfire risk, especially during dry periods.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to flood and bushfire risk.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price decreases.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk and mitigation measures.
- 3.Consider energy efficiency and cooling options.
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-termConstruct levees and improve drainage to protect against riverine flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImplement 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 moreManage bushfire risk
Near-termClear vegetation around properties and implement bushfire management plans.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreUpgrade infrastructure
Long-termUpgrade power grids and water infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Very High
Learn moreAbout Smithtown's Climate Risk Profile
Smithtown is a small town in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales. The primary climate risks for Smithtown include flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. The town's location near the Macleay River makes it particularly vulnerable to riverine flooding, which can inundate low-lying areas and disrupt transportation.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The increasing temperatures can also strain infrastructure, such as power grids.
Bushfire risk is moderate, with the surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods. While Smithtown is not directly on the coast, sea level rise could affect the Macleay River and increase flood risk.
Climate change projections indicate that these risks will continue to increase in the coming decades. Adaptation measures are needed to protect the community and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change. These measures include improving flood defenses, implementing heatwave early warning systems, and managing bushfire risk.
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
Kempsey Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks in Smithtown?
The main climate risks in Smithtown are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. The town's location near the Macleay River makes it vulnerable to riverine flooding, while rising temperatures exacerbate heat-related risks. Bushfire risk is moderate.
How will climate change affect Smithtown in the future?
Climate change projections indicate that the risks of flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires will increase in the coming decades. Sea level rise could also affect the Macleay River and increase flood risk.
What can I do to protect my property from flooding?
You can take several steps to protect your property from flooding, such as raising the foundation, installing flood barriers, and improving drainage.
How can I prepare for a heatwave?
You can prepare for a heatwave by staying hydrated, staying cool, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
What should I do if a bushfire threatens my property?
If a bushfire threatens your property, you should follow the advice of emergency services and evacuate if necessary. You should also have a bushfire survival plan in place.
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 Smithtown, use our analysis tool.
Check Your flood Risk Now
Check Smithtown's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.
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