Climate Risk in Tongarra, NSW

Tongarra, New South Wales· Shellharbour
Updated May 2026

Tongarra faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events, posing challenges for the community and infrastructure.

Is Tongarra Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Tongarra, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

Not ready to check your address? See a free sample report →

Overall Risk Score

Address-level

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 Tongarra

Flood

Tongarra faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

The risk of bushfire in Tongarra is moderate, given the presence of surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase bushfire frequency and intensity.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

Tongarra is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Tongarra faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to the coastline. Sea level rise and increased storm intensity are expected to exacerbate 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 Tongarra

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Tongarra is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Tongarra faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development
Data source

coastal Risk

Tongarra faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to the coastline. Sea level rise and increased storm intensity are expected to exacerbate coastal erosion and inundation.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
Data source

bushfire Risk

The risk of bushfire in Tongarra is moderate, given the presence of surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase bushfire frequency and intensity.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate risks

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone areas
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to climate hazards
  • 3.Consider future climate projections
  • 4.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage

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-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Improve bushfire management

Near-term

Implement strategies to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop heatwave response plan

Immediate

Create a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect coastal areas

Long-term

Implement measures to protect coastal properties from erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Tongarra's Climate Risk Profile

Tongarra, located in the Shellharbour region of New South Wales, is susceptible to a range of climate-related hazards. The suburb's proximity to waterways and the coast increases its vulnerability to flooding and coastal erosion. Rising temperatures and drier conditions are also expected to elevate the risk of bushfires and heatwaves.

The primary concern for Tongarra is the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Climate change projections indicate a higher likelihood of heavy rainfall, leading to more frequent and severe flooding. Sea level rise poses a threat to coastal properties and infrastructure, while hotter temperatures could strain the electricity grid and impact public health.

The local community and authorities need to take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions. This includes investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, implementing bushfire management strategies, and developing heatwave response plans. Raising awareness among residents about climate risks and promoting sustainable practices are also crucial steps.

Furthermore, it is essential to consider climate change impacts in future planning and development decisions. This involves incorporating climate resilience into building codes, protecting natural ecosystems, and promoting sustainable land use practices. By taking these steps, Tongarra can reduce its vulnerability to climate change and create a more sustainable future.

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 risks facing Tongarra?

Tongarra faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion.

How is climate change expected to impact Tongarra?

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change?

Residents can take steps to protect their properties, conserve water, and reduce their carbon footprint.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The council is implementing strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Tongarra?

You can find more information on the council website and the websites of relevant government agencies.

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 Tongarra, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Tongarra's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections