Climate Risk Profile: Wakefield, NSW
Wakefield faces increasing risks from climate change, particularly related to heatwaves, flooding, and bushfires. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and take steps to adapt to the changing climate.
Is Wakefield Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Wakefield, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections
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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 Wakefield
Flood
Wakefield faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
The risk of bushfires in Wakefield is moderate, given the presence of surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Wakefield is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Wakefield faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise and storm surges. This could lead to erosion and inundation of low-lying areas.
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 Wakefield
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
Wakefield is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Wakefield faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Wakefield faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise and storm surges. This could lead to erosion and inundation of low-lying areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfires in Wakefield is moderate, given the presence of surrounding bushland. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Fuel load
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risk of extreme weather 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 bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
- 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property comfort and energy costs.
- 4.Review insurance coverage and potential premium increases.
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 Home Insulation
Near-termProper insulation can help reduce energy consumption and keep homes cooler during heatwaves.
Est. cost: $1,000 - $5,000
Learn moreInstall Rainwater Tanks
Near-termRainwater tanks can help reduce reliance on mains water and provide a water source for gardening and other non-potable uses.
Est. cost: $500 - $2,000
Learn moreDevelop Emergency Plans
ImmediatePrepare a family emergency plan that includes evacuation routes, contact information, and a supply kit.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreSupport Local Climate Action
Long-termEngage with local government and community groups to advocate for climate-friendly policies and initiatives.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Wakefield's Climate Risk Profile
Wakefield, located in the Lake Macquarie region of New South Wales, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a significant risk to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. Changes in rainfall patterns are expected to increase the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas near waterways.
Bushfire risk is also a concern, with hotter, drier conditions creating a more conducive environment for fires to start and spread. Coastal hazards, such as sea level rise and storm surges, could lead to erosion and inundation of coastal areas. These climate-related risks have the potential to impact property values, insurance costs, and the overall livability of Wakefield.
Addressing these challenges requires a proactive approach, including measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve infrastructure resilience, and enhance community preparedness. Residents can take steps to protect themselves and their properties by implementing adaptation strategies, such as installing rainwater tanks, improving home insulation, and developing emergency plans.
Local authorities play a crucial role in mitigating climate risks through land-use planning, infrastructure upgrades, and community education programs. Collaboration between government, businesses, and residents is essential to building a climate-resilient future for Wakefield.
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
Lake Macquarie City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Wakefield?
Wakefield faces increasing risks from heatwaves, flooding, bushfires, and coastal hazards due to climate change.
How will climate change affect property values in Wakefield?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value, while insurance costs are likely to increase across the suburb.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Wakefield?
Improve home insulation, install air conditioning, and stay hydrated during hot weather. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Wakefield?
Refer to the Lake Macquarie City Council flood maps and the NSW State Emergency Service website for information about flood risks and preparedness.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint in Wakefield?
Use public transport, cycle or walk, reduce energy consumption, and support local businesses that are committed to sustainability.
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 Wakefield, use our analysis tool.
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What A$49 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections