Climate Risk in South Kempsey, NSW
South Kempsey faces a medium climate risk, primarily due to flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to the Macleay River makes it vulnerable to flooding, and rising temperatures are expected to exacerbate heat-related risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is South Kempsey Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for South Kempsey, 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 South Kempsey
Flood
South Kempsey is at a high risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Macleay River and low-lying areas. Historical flood events have impacted the suburb, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
South Kempsey faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. While not directly adjacent to dense bushland, ember attack is a potential threat during severe fire weather.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
South Kempsey experiences high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
South Kempsey is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.
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 South Kempsey
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
South Kempsey experiences high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
South Kempsey is at a high risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Macleay River and low-lying areas. Historical flood events have impacted the suburb, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Riverine flooding
coastal Risk
South Kempsey is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from coast
bushfire Risk
South Kempsey faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. While not directly adjacent to dense bushland, ember attack is a potential threat during severe fire weather.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Increased premiums and potential difficulty obtaining coverage due to flood risk.
Price Impact
Potential for decreased property values in flood-prone areas.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess property's elevation and drainage.
- 3.Obtain flood insurance.
- 4.Consider heat mitigation measures.
- 5.Review bushfire risk assessment.
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 Flood Defenses
ImmediateInvest in levees, drainage systems, and other flood mitigation infrastructure to protect properties from inundation.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImplement Heatwave Early Warning System
Near-termDevelop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert residents of impending extreme heat events and provide guidance on how to stay safe.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termEducate residents on bushfire safety measures, including clearing vegetation around homes and preparing a bushfire survival plan.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreStrengthen Building Codes
Long-termUpdate building codes to require new construction to be more resilient to climate-related hazards, such as flooding and extreme heat.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreCommunity Education Programs
ImmediateRun workshops and distribute information on how residents can prepare for and respond to climate-related hazards.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout South Kempsey's Climate Risk Profile
South Kempsey is located in the Kempsey Shire, New South Wales, and is susceptible to various climate-related hazards. The most significant risk is flooding from the Macleay River, which has historically caused significant damage to the area. Climate change is projected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flooding events.
In addition to flooding, South Kempsey is also vulnerable to heatwaves. The suburb experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Bushfire risk is moderate, with the potential for ember attack from surrounding vegetation. While not a primary concern, residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and prepare for potential fire events.
Coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location. However, the broader region may experience indirect impacts from coastal hazards, such as disruptions to infrastructure and supply chains.
Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. This includes investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, implementing heatwave early warning systems, and promoting sustainable land management practices.
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 South Kempsey?
The main climate risks in South Kempsey are flooding from the Macleay River and heatwaves. Bushfire risk is moderate, while coastal risks are low.
How is climate change expected to impact South Kempsey?
Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of flooding and heatwaves in South Kempsey. This could lead to more property damage, health impacts, and disruptions to daily life.
What can I do to prepare for flooding in South Kempsey?
You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, assessing your property's elevation and drainage, obtaining flood insurance, and developing a flood survival plan.
How can I stay safe during a heatwave in South Kempsey?
During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Where can I find more information about climate change in South Kempsey?
You can find more information about climate change in South Kempsey from the Kempsey Shire Council, the NSW State Emergency Service, and the Bureau of Meteorology.
Is my property in South Kempsey at risk of flooding?
You can check the Kempsey Shire Council's flood maps to determine if your property is located in a flood-prone area. Historical flood data can also provide insights into past 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 South Kempsey, 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