Climate Risk in South Lismore, NSW
South Lismore faces significant flood risk due to its location on the Wilsons River floodplain. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk, increasing the frequency and intensity of flooding events. Residents should be aware of flood risks and take appropriate precautions.
Is South Lismore Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for South Lismore, 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 Lismore
Flood
South Lismore is highly vulnerable to flooding due to its location on the floodplain of the Wilsons River. The area has a history of significant flood events, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall, exacerbating the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Rising river levels
Bushfire
South Lismore has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. While not directly adjacent to large forested areas, ember attack from distant fires remains a concern, particularly during dry and windy conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
Heat
South Lismore is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Climate change is projected to further increase average temperatures and the number of extreme heat days.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·More frequent heatwaves
Coastal
South Lismore is not directly exposed to coastal hazards. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to this inland suburb.
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 South Lismore
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 Lismore is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Climate change is projected to further increase average temperatures and the number of extreme heat days.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·More frequent heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
South Lismore is highly vulnerable to flooding due to its location on the floodplain of the Wilsons River. The area has a history of significant flood events, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall, exacerbating the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Rising river levels
- ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
coastal Risk
South Lismore is not directly exposed to coastal hazards. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats to this inland suburb.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from the coast
bushfire Risk
South Lismore has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. While not directly adjacent to large forested areas, ember attack from distant fires remains a concern, particularly during dry and windy conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
- ·More frequent heatwaves
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to be high due to the significant flood risk.
Price Impact
Property values may be negatively impacted by the increasing flood risk.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood history of the property.
- 2.Obtain flood insurance.
- 3.Assess bushfire risk.
- 4.Prepare for heatwaves.
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
ImmediateInvest in flood levees, drainage improvements, and other infrastructure to protect properties from flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreStrengthen Building Codes
Near-termUpdate building codes to require new construction to be more resilient to flooding and bushfires.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop Heat Action Plan
Near-termImplement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCommunity Education Programs
Long-termProvide education programs to raise awareness of climate risks and adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout South Lismore's Climate Risk Profile
South Lismore is a suburb of Lismore, located in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. The suburb is situated on the floodplain of the Wilsons River, making it highly vulnerable to flooding.
Historical flood events have caused significant damage to property and infrastructure in South Lismore. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall, further increasing the risk of flooding in the area.
In addition to flooding, South Lismore also faces a moderate risk of bushfire. While not directly adjacent to large forested areas, ember attack from distant fires remains a concern, particularly during dry and windy conditions. The suburb is also experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Residents of South Lismore should be aware of these climate-related risks and take steps to prepare for and mitigate their impacts. This includes developing a flood plan, maintaining their property to reduce bushfire risk, and taking precautions during heatwaves.
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
Lismore City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks in South Lismore?
The main climate risks in South Lismore are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Flooding is the most significant risk due to the suburb's location on the Wilsons River floodplain.
How will climate change affect South Lismore?
Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of flooding events, heatwaves, and bushfires in South Lismore. This will pose a greater threat to residents and property.
What can I do to prepare for flooding in South Lismore?
You can prepare for flooding by developing a flood plan, obtaining flood insurance, and taking steps to protect your property, such as raising electrical outlets and storing valuables above flood level.
How can I protect myself from heatwaves in South Lismore?
You can protect yourself from heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
Is South Lismore a good place to invest in property?
Prospective buyers should carefully consider the climate risks, particularly the high flood risk, before investing in property in South Lismore. Insurance costs are likely to be high, and property values may be affected by climate change.
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 Lismore, 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