Climate Risk Assessment for Ulmarra, NSW
Ulmarra faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. The suburb's location on the Clarence River floodplain makes it particularly vulnerable to riverine flooding. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is Ulmarra Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Ulmarra, 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 Ulmarra
Flood
Ulmarra is located on the Clarence River floodplain, making it susceptible to flooding. Riverine flooding can inundate properties and disrupt infrastructure.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise affecting river levels
Bushfire
While not immediately surrounded by dense bushland, Ulmarra is still exposed to bushfire risk, particularly from fires spreading from nearby areas. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can exacerbate this risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Drier vegetation
Heat
Ulmarra is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This can lead to heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of extreme heat events
Coastal
Ulmarra is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. However, changes in sea level can affect riverine flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Ulmarra
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
Ulmarra is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This can lead to heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of extreme heat events
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Ulmarra is located on the Clarence River floodplain, making it susceptible to flooding. Riverine flooding can inundate properties and disrupt infrastructure.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise affecting river levels
- ·Changes in river flow patterns
coastal Risk
Ulmarra is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. However, changes in sea level can affect riverine flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge
bushfire Risk
While not immediately surrounded by dense bushland, Ulmarra is still exposed to bushfire risk, particularly from fires spreading from nearby areas. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can exacerbate this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Drier vegetation
- ·Stronger winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increased risk of flooding and other climate-related events.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to bushfires.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of heatwaves.
- 4.Obtain a comprehensive building inspection.
- 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
Improve Flood Defenses
Near-termInvest in levees, drainage systems, and other infrastructure to reduce the impact of flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a Heat Action Plan
ImmediateImplement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement measures to reduce bushfire risk, such as hazard reduction burns and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreUpgrade Infrastructure
Long-termEnsure that critical infrastructure, such as power and water supplies, is resilient to climate change impacts.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImprove Emergency Response
ImmediateStrengthen emergency response capabilities to effectively manage climate-related disasters.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Ulmarra's Climate Risk Profile
Ulmarra, located in the Clarence Valley of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risk is riverine flooding, exacerbated by increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise affecting river levels. The suburb's low-lying position on the Clarence River floodplain makes it susceptible to inundation, potentially disrupting infrastructure and damaging properties.
Bushfire risk is also a concern, although Ulmarra is not immediately surrounded by dense bushland. Fires can spread from nearby areas, and drier conditions due to climate change can increase the likelihood of ignition and spread. Residents should maintain their properties and be aware of fire danger ratings.
Heatwaves are projected to become more frequent and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. Rising average temperatures and extreme heat events can lead to heat stress and strain on infrastructure.
While Ulmarra is not directly on the coast, sea level rise can still affect riverine flooding. Changes in sea level can influence river levels and increase the extent of flooding during heavy rainfall events. Residents should stay informed about flood warnings and have an evacuation plan in place.
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
Clarence Valley Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Ulmarra?
The main climate change risks for Ulmarra are increased flooding, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher risk of bushfires.
How will climate change affect property values in Ulmarra?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of flooding. Insurance premiums are also likely to increase.
What can I do to prepare for flooding in Ulmarra?
You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, developing an evacuation plan, and ensuring that your property is adequately insured.
Where can I find information about bushfire risks in Ulmarra?
You can find information about bushfire risks on the NSW Rural Fire Service website and by contacting your local fire brigade.
How can I stay safe during a heatwave in Ulmarra?
During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on elderly neighbors and relatives.
Is Ulmarra likely to be impacted by sea level rise?
While Ulmarra is not directly on the coast, sea level rise can exacerbate riverine flooding by increasing the base water level of the Clarence River.
Get your property's risk report
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*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections