Climate Risk in Townsend, New South Wales

Townsend, New South Wales
Updated May 2026

Townsend faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly through increased rainfall intensity, higher temperatures, and sea level rise. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Is Townsend Safe from Climate Risk?

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

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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

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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 Townsend

Flood

Townsend 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

Bushfire risk in Townsend is moderate, influenced by surrounding vegetation and dry conditions. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

Townsend is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Coastal

Located near the coast, Townsend is exposed to coastal erosion and sea level rise. These factors can impact infrastructure and property values.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

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Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Townsend

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Townsend is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Townsend 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
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
Data source

coastal Risk

Located near the coast, Townsend is exposed to coastal erosion and sea level rise. These factors can impact infrastructure and property values.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
  • ·Coastal erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

Bushfire risk in Townsend is moderate, influenced by surrounding vegetation and dry conditions. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

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

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risks of flooding, bushfires, and coastal hazards.

Price Impact

Property values may be negatively impacted by increased climate risks, particularly in areas prone to flooding or coastal erosion.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Evaluate the property's vulnerability to coastal erosion and sea level rise.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of heatwaves on the property and its occupants.

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 Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Bushfire Mitigation Measures

Near-term

Clear vegetation around properties and develop bushfire management plans to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Immediate

Establish a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect Coastal Areas

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures to mitigate erosion and sea level rise impacts.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Townsend's Climate Risk Profile

Townsend, NSW, is a suburb that will be increasingly affected by climate change. The primary risks include flooding due to increased rainfall and proximity to waterways, bushfires driven by hotter and drier conditions, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as erosion and sea level rise.

Flooding is a significant concern, with potential for increased rainfall intensity leading to more frequent and severe flood events. Bushfire risk is also elevated due to the surrounding vegetation and projected increases in temperature and dryness. Heatwaves are expected to become more common and intense, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.

Coastal hazards, including erosion and sea level rise, could impact infrastructure and property values in Townsend. It is crucial for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions.

Adaptation strategies should focus on improving drainage infrastructure, implementing bushfire mitigation measures, developing heatwave response plans, and protecting coastal areas. By taking these steps, Townsend can enhance its resilience to the impacts of climate change and ensure a sustainable future for its community.

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 Townsend?

The main climate change risks in Townsend include increased flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as erosion and sea level rise.

How will climate change affect property values in Townsend?

Climate change may negatively impact property values, particularly in areas prone to flooding or coastal erosion. Increased insurance premiums may also affect property affordability.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves in Townsend?

Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

What is the local council doing to address climate change in Townsend?

The Clarence Valley Council is developing and implementing climate strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Check their website for details.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Townsend?

Information about flood risks in Townsend can be found on the Clarence Valley Council website and the NSW State Emergency Service website.

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 Townsend, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

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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

Climate Risk Assessment for Townsend, NSW | ClimateNest