Climate Risk in Tumbulgum, NSW

Tumbulgum, New South Wales· Tweed· 2490
Updated May 2026

Tumbulgum faces significant flood risk due to its location on the Tweed River. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, impacting the region.

Is Tumbulgum Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Tumbulgum, 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 Tumbulgum

Flood

Tumbulgum is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location on the Tweed River floodplain. The risk is projected to increase with climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

Bushfire risk is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could exacerbate conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

The area experiences moderately high temperatures, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heat events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Coastal

Coastal risks are present due to proximity to the Tweed River estuary. Sea level rise and storm surges pose a threat.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

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Energy

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In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Tumbulgum

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

The area experiences moderately high temperatures, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heat events.

Primary Drivers

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

flood Risk

Tumbulgum is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location on the Tweed River floodplain. The risk is projected to increase with climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Riverine flooding
Data source

coastal Risk

Coastal risks are present due to proximity to the Tweed River estuary. Sea level rise and storm surges pose a threat.

Primary Drivers

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

bushfire Risk

Bushfire risk is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could exacerbate conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to be high due to flood risk.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by increasing flood risk.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood history of the property
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk
  • 3.Consider potential impacts of sea level rise
  • 4.Review insurance options

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 Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees, flood barriers, and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing, fire breaks, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Near-term

Create a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen Coastal Resilience

Long-term

Implement measures to protect against coastal erosion and sea level rise, such as beach nourishment and seawalls.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Improve Emergency Response

Immediate

Enhance emergency response capabilities, including evacuation plans, early warning systems, and community training.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Tumbulgum's Climate Risk Profile

Tumbulgum, nestled on the banks of the Tweed River in New South Wales, is a charming village with a rich history. However, its location also makes it highly vulnerable to flooding, which poses the most significant climate-related risk to the area.

The Tweed River has a history of flooding, and Tumbulgum has experienced several major flood events. Climate change is projected to exacerbate this risk, with increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise contributing to more frequent and severe floods. This can lead to property damage, displacement of residents, and disruption of essential services.

Bushfire risk is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could exacerbate conditions. The area experiences moderately high temperatures, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heat events.

Coastal risks are present due to proximity to the Tweed River estuary. Sea level rise and storm surges pose a threat. Residents should stay informed about weather warnings and emergency procedures.

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 Tumbulgum?

The main climate risks are flooding, bushfire, heatwaves and coastal erosion. Flooding is the most significant risk due to the location on the Tweed River floodplain.

How is climate change expected to impact Tumbulgum?

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including floods, bushfires, and heatwaves. Sea level rise will also pose a threat to coastal areas.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The Tweed Shire Council has developed a climate strategy to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes measures to improve flood defenses, manage bushfire risk, and protect coastal areas.

How can I prepare for flooding in Tumbulgum?

You can prepare for flooding by developing a flood plan, purchasing flood insurance, and staying informed about weather warnings. It is also important to know your evacuation route and have an emergency kit ready.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and seek shelter in a cool place. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

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

You can find more information on the Tweed Shire Council website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO 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 Tumbulgum, 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 in Tumbulgum, NSW | ClimateNest