Climate Risk Profile: The Freshwater, NSW
The Freshwater faces moderate climate risks, particularly from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity are key drivers of these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is The Freshwater Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for The Freshwater, 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 The Freshwater
Flood
The Freshwater faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and riverine flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
The Freshwater has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
The Freshwater is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
The Freshwater experiences a moderate coastal risk due to its location near the ocean. Sea level rise and storm surges can lead to coastal erosion and inundation.
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 The Freshwater
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
The Freshwater is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
The Freshwater faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and riverine flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
The Freshwater experiences a moderate coastal risk due to its location near the ocean. Sea level rise and storm surges can lead to coastal erosion and inundation.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
bushfire Risk
The Freshwater has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Premiums may increase due to flood and coastal risks.
Price Impact
Properties closer to the coast may experience price reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion zones.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise on property value.
- 4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related risks.
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 stormwater drainage
Near-termUpgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreProtect coastal ecosystems
Near-termRestore and protect coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and dunes to provide natural protection against coastal erosion and storm surges.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImplement heatwave early warning system
ImmediateDevelop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreRaise awareness of climate risks
Long-termEducate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreStrengthen building codes
Long-termUpdate building codes to ensure that new buildings are more resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout The Freshwater's Climate Risk Profile
The Freshwater, located on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels and more intense rainfall events are exacerbating the risk of coastal erosion and flooding. Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and severe, posing a threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations.
The suburb's proximity to the coast makes it particularly susceptible to sea level rise and storm surges. Coastal erosion is already a concern, and further sea level rise will only worsen the problem. Increased rainfall intensity can lead to stormwater runoff and riverine flooding, impacting homes and infrastructure.
Bushfire risk is also present due to the presence of nearby bushland. While not as significant as other risks, it is still important to be aware of the potential for bushfires, especially during hot, dry conditions.
Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to slow down the rate of climate change. At the local level, measures such as improving stormwater drainage, protecting coastal ecosystems, and implementing heatwave early warning systems can help to reduce the impacts of 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
Northern Beaches Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for The Freshwater?
The Freshwater faces significant risks from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to climate change. Rising sea levels and more intense rainfall events are key drivers of these risks.
How will climate change affect property values in The Freshwater?
Properties closer to the coast may experience price reductions due to the increased risk of coastal erosion and inundation. Insurance premiums may also increase due to flood and coastal risks.
What is the council doing to address climate change in The Freshwater?
The Northern Beaches Council is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including improving stormwater drainage, protecting coastal ecosystems, and raising awareness of climate risks.
How can I prepare for heatwaves in The Freshwater?
Stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
What should I do if my property is flooded in The Freshwater?
Contact the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) for assistance. Move to higher ground and avoid contact with floodwater. Do not drive through floodwater.
Where can I find more information about climate change risks in The Freshwater?
You can find more information on the Northern Beaches Council website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO website.
Get your property's risk report
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Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections