Climate Risk in South Murwillumbah, NSW
South Murwillumbah faces significant climate risks, particularly from flooding due to its location on the Tweed River floodplain. Bushfire and heat risks are also increasing. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is South Murwillumbah Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for South Murwillumbah, 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 Murwillumbah
Flood
South Murwillumbah is located on the Tweed River floodplain, making it highly susceptible to flooding. Increased rainfall intensity and rising river levels are expected to exacerbate flood risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Rising river levels
Bushfire
The area surrounding South Murwillumbah has some bushfire risk due to nearby vegetation. Drier conditions and increased temperatures are projected to increase bushfire frequency and intensity.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
South Murwillumbah is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This will increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
While not directly on the coast, South Murwillumbah may experience indirect impacts from coastal hazards such as sea level rise affecting the Tweed River. These impacts are considered relatively low.
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 South Murwillumbah
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 Murwillumbah is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This will increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
South Murwillumbah is located on the Tweed River floodplain, making it highly susceptible to flooding. Increased rainfall intensity and rising river levels are expected to exacerbate flood risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Rising river levels
- ·Urban development reducing natural drainage
coastal Risk
While not directly on the coast, South Murwillumbah may experience indirect impacts from coastal hazards such as sea level rise affecting the Tweed River. These impacts are considered relatively low.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
bushfire Risk
The area surrounding South Murwillumbah has some bushfire risk due to nearby vegetation. Drier conditions and increased temperatures are projected to increase bushfire frequency and intensity.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the high flood risk.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
- 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property value and comfort.
- 4.Review insurance options and costs.
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 early warning systems to reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreBushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement vegetation management programs, improve building standards, and develop community evacuation plans.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreHeatwave Action Plan
Near-termDevelop a heatwave action plan with cooling centers, public awareness campaigns, and support for vulnerable populations.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreClimate-Resilient Infrastructure
Long-termIncorporate climate change projections into infrastructure planning and design to ensure long-term resilience.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout South Murwillumbah's Climate Risk Profile
South Murwillumbah is located in a region that is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risk is flooding, with the suburb situated on the Tweed River floodplain. Increased rainfall intensity and rising river levels are projected to exacerbate this risk, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flood events.
Bushfire risk is also a concern, with surrounding vegetation posing a threat during dry conditions. Rising temperatures and drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires in the region. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have evacuation plans in place.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. The urban environment can exacerbate the effects of heatwaves, creating an urban heat island effect. Access to cooling centers and strategies for staying cool during heatwaves are essential.
While not directly on the coast, South Murwillumbah may experience indirect impacts from coastal hazards such as sea level rise affecting the Tweed River. Planning for these potential impacts is important to ensure the long-term resilience of the community.
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
Tweed Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for South Murwillumbah?
The main risks are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Flooding is the most significant risk due to the suburb's location on the Tweed River floodplain. Bushfire risk is increasing due to drier conditions, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.
How will climate change affect property values in South Murwillumbah?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions. Increased insurance premiums and the cost of climate adaptation measures may also affect property values.
What can I do to prepare for flooding in South Murwillumbah?
Stay informed about flood warnings, develop a flood plan, and consider flood-proofing your home. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.
What resources are available to help me prepare for bushfires?
The NSW Rural Fire Service provides information and resources on bushfire safety, including how to prepare your property and develop an evacuation plan.
How can I stay cool during heatwaves in South Murwillumbah?
Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
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 Murwillumbah, 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