Climate Risk in Warilla, NSW

Warilla, New South Wales· Shellharbour· 2528
Updated May 2026

Warilla is a coastal suburb in New South Wales that faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should take steps to prepare for these hazards.

Is Warilla Safe from Climate Risk?

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

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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 Warilla

Flood

Warilla faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Lake Illawarra and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and riverine flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

The risk of bushfire in Warilla is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of fire.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

Warilla is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. High temperatures can pose a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Warilla faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

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 Warilla

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Warilla is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. High temperatures can pose a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Warilla faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Lake Illawarra and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

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

coastal Risk

Warilla faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

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

bushfire Risk

The risk of bushfire in Warilla is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of fire.

Primary Drivers

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

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk
  • 3.Consider coastal erosion risk
  • 4.Evaluate energy efficiency

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 Management Plans

Near-term

Develop and implement bushfire management plans to reduce the risk of fire damage.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect Coastal Areas from Erosion

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures to reduce the impact of sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote Energy Efficiency

Immediate

Encourage energy efficiency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Immediate

Educate residents about climate risks and preparedness measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Warilla's Climate Risk Profile

Warilla, located on the coast of New South Wales, is exposed to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to Lake Illawarra and the ocean makes it vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, further exacerbating these risks.

Flooding is a significant concern for Warilla, with intense rainfall events capable of causing widespread inundation. Sea level rise is also expected to increase the risk of coastal flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Bushfire risk is present due to the presence of nearby bushland, with hotter, drier conditions increasing the likelihood of fire.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. Coastal erosion is also a concern, with rising sea levels and increased storm intensity threatening coastal infrastructure and property.

Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to slow the pace of climate change. Local adaptation strategies include improving drainage infrastructure, implementing bushfire management plans, and protecting coastal areas from erosion. Community awareness and preparedness are also crucial for minimizing the impacts of climate change.

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 in Warilla?

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

How is climate change expected to affect Warilla?

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, exacerbating existing risks.

What can I do to prepare for climate change in Warilla?

You can take steps to reduce your risk from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. This includes improving your home's energy efficiency and preparing an emergency plan.

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

You can find more information on the Shellharbour City Council website and the websites of state emergency services.

Is my property in Warilla at risk from flooding?

Check the council's flood maps to determine if your property is located in a flood zone.

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 Warilla, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Warilla'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

Climate Risk in Warilla, NSW | ClimateNest