Climate Risk Profile: Terrey Hills, NSW
Terrey Hills faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, with coastal risks being minimal. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly in terms of increased bushfire danger and more frequent flooding events. Residents should prepare for these potential impacts.
Is Terrey Hills Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Terrey Hills, 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 Terrey Hills
Flood
Terrey Hills faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its topography and proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Terrey Hills has a high bushfire risk due to its location surrounded by dense bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Hotter temperatures
Heat
Terrey Hills experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Terrey Hills has a very low coastal risk due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.
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 Terrey Hills
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
Terrey Hills experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Climate change
flood Risk
Terrey Hills faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its topography and proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
coastal Risk
Terrey Hills has a very low coastal risk due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from coast
bushfire Risk
Terrey Hills has a high bushfire risk due to its location surrounded by dense bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Hotter temperatures
- ·Strong winds
- ·Climate change
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the elevated bushfire and flood risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
- 3.Obtain insurance quotes and understand coverage.
- 4.Consider installing fire-resistant building materials.
- 5.Develop a bushfire survival plan.
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
Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan
ImmediateCreate a comprehensive bushfire survival plan that includes evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and a checklist of essential items to take with you. Practice the plan regularly with your family.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreImprove Home Bushfire Protection
Near-termInstall fire-resistant building materials, clear vegetation around your home, and maintain gutters and downpipes to prevent the accumulation of flammable debris. Consider installing a sprinkler system.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreInstall Rainwater Tanks
Near-termInstall rainwater tanks to capture and store rainwater for non-potable uses, such as gardening and toilet flushing. This can help reduce your reliance on mains water and conserve water during droughts.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreSupport Local Flood Mitigation Efforts
Long-termParticipate in community initiatives to improve flood mitigation, such as revegetation projects and the construction of drainage infrastructure. Advocate for increased investment in flood management by local government.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Terrey Hills's Climate Risk Profile
Terrey Hills, located in the Northern Beaches region of Sydney, is characterized by its leafy environment and proximity to significant bushland areas. This unique setting contributes to both its appeal and its vulnerability to climate-related hazards.
The primary concerns for Terrey Hills are bushfire and flooding. The suburb's location adjacent to dense bushland increases its susceptibility to bushfires, especially during dry and windy conditions. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather, posing a greater threat to properties and residents.
Flooding is another significant risk, with intense rainfall events capable of causing flash flooding in low-lying areas. The increasing intensity of rainfall due to climate change is expected to worsen this risk, potentially impacting infrastructure and homes.
While heatwaves pose a moderate threat, the suburb's relatively high elevation and tree cover offer some mitigation. However, vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, may still be at risk during extreme heat events.
Coastal risks are minimal due to Terrey Hills' distance from the coastline. However, the broader region may experience indirect impacts from coastal erosion and sea level rise, such as disruptions to transportation and supply chains.
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
Northern Beaches Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Terrey Hills?
The main climate change risks for Terrey Hills are increased bushfire risk, more frequent and intense flooding events, and more frequent heatwaves. Sea level rise is not a significant concern due to the suburb's distance from the coast.
How can I prepare my home for bushfires in Terrey Hills?
You can prepare your home for bushfires by clearing vegetation around your home, installing fire-resistant building materials, maintaining gutters and downpipes, and developing a bushfire survival plan.
What should I do during a flood in Terrey Hills?
During a flood, stay informed about the situation by monitoring weather forecasts and emergency alerts. If your property is at risk of flooding, evacuate to a safe location. Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters.
How will climate change affect property values in Terrey Hills?
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of bushfires and flooding. It is important to assess the vulnerability of your property and take steps to mitigate these risks.
What is the local council doing to address climate change in Terrey Hills?
The Northern Beaches Council has a climate change strategy that outlines its plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The council is also working to improve flood management and bushfire preparedness.
Get your property's risk report
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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