Climate Risk in Terrigal, New South Wales
Terrigal is a coastal suburb on the Central Coast of New South Wales, facing moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly in relation to heatwaves and coastal erosion. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is Terrigal Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Terrigal, 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 Terrigal
Flood
Terrigal faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Terrigal Lagoon and coastal areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Terrigal is moderate, with bushland areas located nearby. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Terrigal experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures can pose a threat to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Terrigal faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The coastline is vulnerable to storm surges and rising sea levels.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Terrigal
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
Terrigal experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures can pose a threat to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Terrigal faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Terrigal Lagoon and coastal areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Terrigal faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The coastline is vulnerable to storm surges and rising sea levels.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Terrigal is moderate, with bushland areas located nearby. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Wind patterns
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase in high-risk areas.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone or coastal erosion zones may experience price reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
- 3.Inquire about past flood or bushfire events.
- 4.Obtain a building inspection report.
- 5.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
Upgrade Flood Defenses
Near-termInvest in improved drainage systems and flood barriers to protect properties from rising floodwaters.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreBushfire Preparedness
ImmediateImplement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation around properties and developing evacuation plans.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreHeatwave Action Plan
Near-termDevelop a community heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCoastal Erosion Management
Long-termImplement coastal erosion management strategies, such as beach nourishment and seawall construction, to protect beachfront properties.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreWater Conservation
Near-termPromote water conservation measures to ensure water security in the face of changing rainfall patterns.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Terrigal's Climate Risk Profile
Terrigal, a popular coastal destination, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying areas near Terrigal Lagoon and the coastline are susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and rising sea levels. Bushfire risk is present due to the proximity of bushland areas, and heatwaves pose a significant threat to public health, especially for elderly and vulnerable residents.
Rising sea levels and increased storm intensity are expected to worsen coastal erosion, potentially impacting beachfront properties and infrastructure. Changes in rainfall patterns could also affect water availability and quality. The local council is developing strategies to mitigate these risks, but individual preparedness is crucial.
Residents should stay informed about weather warnings and emergency plans, maintain their properties to reduce bushfire hazards, and take steps to protect themselves during heatwaves. Considering the long-term impacts of climate change is essential for property owners and potential buyers.
Adapting to these changes will require a combination of community-level initiatives and individual actions. This includes investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, implementing stricter building codes in vulnerable areas, and promoting water conservation practices. By working together, the community can enhance its resilience to the challenges posed by climate change.
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
Central Coast Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Terrigal?
Terrigal faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, all of which are expected to worsen with climate change.
How will sea level rise affect Terrigal?
Sea level rise will increase the risk of coastal erosion and inundation, particularly in low-lying areas along the coastline.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Terrigal?
Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Terrigal?
The Central Coast Council provides flood maps and information on its website.
How can I protect my property from bushfires in Terrigal?
Clear vegetation around your property, maintain gutters, and have a bushfire survival plan.
Is Terrigal a good place to invest in property considering climate change?
While Terrigal is a desirable location, potential buyers should carefully consider the climate change risks and take appropriate precautions.
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