Climate Risk in Warrawong, NSW
Warrawong faces moderate risks from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly through increased rainfall intensity, sea level rise, and more frequent heatwaves. Residents and property owners should take steps to prepare for these challenges.
Is Warrawong Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Warrawong, 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 Warrawong
Flood
Warrawong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to Lake Illawarra and several creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces
Bushfire
The risk of bushfire in Warrawong is relatively low compared to other areas in NSW, but some areas near the escarpment face a moderate risk. Grassfires can also pose a threat during dry periods.
Key drivers:
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
Heat
Warrawong is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. The urban environment can exacerbate the heat island effect, leading to higher temperatures.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Warrawong is vulnerable to coastal inundation and erosion due to its proximity to Lake Illawarra and the coastline. Sea level rise and storm surges can exacerbate these risks.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge intensity
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Warrawong
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
Warrawong is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. The urban environment can exacerbate the heat island effect, leading to higher temperatures.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Warrawong faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to Lake Illawarra and several creeks. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces
- ·Sea level rise impacting drainage
coastal Risk
Warrawong is vulnerable to coastal inundation and erosion due to its proximity to Lake Illawarra and the coastline. Sea level rise and storm surges can exacerbate these risks.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge intensity
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Warrawong is relatively low compared to other areas in NSW, but some areas near the escarpment face a moderate risk. Grassfires can also pose a threat during dry periods.
Primary Drivers
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased climate risks.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone or coastal areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and coastal hazard maps.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of climate change on insurance premiums.
- 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.
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-termUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImplement Heatwave Management Plan
ImmediateDevelop a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreProtect Coastal Areas
Long-termImplement coastal management strategies to protect against erosion and inundation, such as beach nourishment and seawalls.
Est. cost: Very High
Learn moreRaise Community Awareness
Near-termEducate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures through public awareness campaigns and community workshops.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Warrawong's Climate Risk Profile
Warrawong, located in the City of Wollongong, is susceptible to a range of climate-related hazards. Its low-lying topography and proximity to Lake Illawarra and the coast make it particularly vulnerable to flooding and coastal inundation. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, posing significant challenges to the community.
Flooding is a major concern for Warrawong. Intense rainfall events can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to property damage and disruption to infrastructure. Sea level rise is also expected to exacerbate flooding risks, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. The local council has implemented floodplain management plans to mitigate these risks, but further action is needed to adapt to the changing climate.
Heatwaves are another significant threat to Warrawong. As average temperatures rise, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are projected to increase. This can lead to heat stress, particularly among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further exacerbate these risks in densely populated areas.
Coastal erosion and inundation are also concerns for Warrawong. Sea level rise and storm surges can erode coastlines and inundate low-lying areas, threatening property and infrastructure. The local council is working to protect coastal areas through beach nourishment and other coastal management strategies.
Addressing these climate-related challenges will require a coordinated effort from all levels of government, as well as the community. This includes investing in infrastructure upgrades, implementing adaptation measures, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
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
City of Wollongong
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Warrawong?
The main climate change risks in Warrawong are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal inundation. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.
How is the council addressing climate change in Warrawong?
The City of Wollongong is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including upgrading drainage infrastructure, developing a heatwave management plan, and protecting coastal areas.
What can I do to prepare for climate change in Warrawong?
You can prepare for climate change by taking steps to reduce your risk of flooding, heat stress, and coastal hazards. This includes maintaining your property, staying informed about weather forecasts, and having an emergency plan.
Where can I find more information about climate change in Warrawong?
You can find more information about climate change in Warrawong on the City of Wollongong website, the NSW Department of Planning and Environment website, and the CSIRO website.
Will climate change affect my property value in Warrawong?
Climate change may affect property values in Warrawong, particularly in areas that are vulnerable to flooding, coastal inundation, or heatwaves. It is important to consider these risks when buying or selling property.
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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