Climate Risk in St George, NSW
St George faces a moderate climate risk profile, with the most significant threats stemming from heatwaves, flooding, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. Residents and property owners should take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions.
Is St George Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for St George, 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 St George
Flood
St George faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. The risk is influenced by the proximity to waterways and low-lying areas.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in St George is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to nearby bushland areas. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
Heat
St George experiences a high risk of heatwaves and extreme heat events, particularly during the summer months. Urban areas tend to retain more heat, increasing the risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
St George faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The risk is influenced by its proximity to the coastline and low-lying areas.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for St George
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
St George experiences a high risk of heatwaves and extreme heat events, particularly during the summer months. Urban areas tend to retain more heat, increasing the risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Reduced vegetation cover
flood Risk
St George faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. The risk is influenced by the proximity to waterways and low-lying areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
coastal Risk
St George faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The risk is influenced by its proximity to the coastline and low-lying areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in St George is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to nearby bushland areas. Dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
- ·Human activity
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in high-risk areas
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone or coastal areas may experience price fluctuations
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves
- 3.Consider potential impacts of sea level rise
- 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 Home Insulation
Near-termEnhance insulation in homes to reduce heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter, lowering energy consumption and improving comfort.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreInstall Rainwater Tanks
Near-termCollect rainwater for non-potable uses such as gardening and toilet flushing, reducing reliance on mains water and mitigating flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreCreate Green Spaces
Long-termIncrease vegetation cover in urban areas to reduce the urban heat island effect, provide shade, and improve air quality.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop Flood Management Plans
ImmediateImplement comprehensive flood management plans to protect properties and infrastructure from flood damage, including early warning systems and evacuation strategies.
Est. cost: High
Learn morePromote Community Awareness
Near-termEducate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures through workshops, information campaigns, and community events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout St George's Climate Risk Profile
St George, NSW, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is particularly susceptible to heatwaves, with rising average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events posing a significant risk to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. Flooding is another major concern, driven by increased rainfall intensity and potential sea level rise affecting low-lying areas.
Bushfire risk, while lower compared to other parts of NSW, remains a concern, particularly during dry periods. Coastal erosion and storm surges also pose a threat to properties and infrastructure located near the coastline. These risks are projected to intensify in the future due to climate change.
Understanding these risks is crucial for residents and property owners in St George. By taking proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions, such as improving home insulation, implementing flood mitigation strategies, and preparing for heatwaves, the community can enhance its resilience to climate change.
Local authorities and emergency services are working to address these challenges through climate adaptation plans and emergency preparedness programs. However, individual action is also essential to protect lives, property, and the environment.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in St George?
The main climate change risks in St George include heatwaves, flooding, bushfires, and coastal hazards. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.
How will heatwaves affect St George?
Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing a significant risk to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. Urban areas will experience higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect.
What can I do to prepare for flooding in St George?
You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, elevating your home, installing flood barriers, and developing a flood emergency plan. It's also important to have insurance coverage for flood damage.
Is St George at risk of bushfires?
While the bushfire risk in St George is relatively low compared to other regions, it is still present due to nearby bushland areas. It's important to be aware of fire danger ratings and have a bushfire survival plan.
How will sea level rise affect St George?
Sea level rise is expected to increase the risk of coastal erosion and storm surges, particularly in low-lying areas near the Georges River. This could lead to property damage and displacement of residents.
What is the council doing to address climate change in St George?
The council is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to address the risks posed by climate change. These plans include measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and enhance community resilience.
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 St George, 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