Climate Risk Profile: Wattamolla, NSW
Wattamolla faces increasing risks from climate change, particularly related to bushfires and flooding. Rising temperatures and sea levels also pose challenges. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Wattamolla Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Wattamolla, 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 Wattamolla
Flood
Wattamolla faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Wattamolla is high due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Drier vegetation
Heat
Wattamolla experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Wattamolla faces a moderate coastal risk due to sea level rise and potential erosion. Coastal inundation during storms is a concern.
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 Wattamolla
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
Wattamolla experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Wattamolla faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Wattamolla faces a moderate coastal risk due to sea level rise and potential erosion. Coastal inundation during storms is a concern.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Wattamolla is high due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the 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 climate risks.
Price Impact
Property values may be negatively impacted by increasing climate risks.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.
- 4.Consider long-term climate risks when making property decisions.
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
Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan
ImmediateCreate a detailed plan for protecting your family and property in the event of a bushfire. Clear vegetation around your home, have a water supply ready, and know your evacuation route.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreImprove Home Insulation
Near-termProper insulation can help keep your home cooler in summer and warmer in winter, reducing your reliance on air conditioning and heating.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreInstall Rainwater Tanks
Near-termRainwater tanks can provide a source of water for gardening and other non-potable uses, reducing your reliance on mains water and helping to conserve water during droughts.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreSupport Coastal Protection Measures
Long-termAdvocate for and support local government initiatives to protect coastal areas from erosion and inundation, such as seawalls and beach nourishment projects.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreParticipate in Community Emergency Planning
ImmediateEngage with local emergency services and community groups to develop and implement emergency plans for bushfires, floods, and other disasters.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Wattamolla's Climate Risk Profile
Wattamolla is a suburb in New South Wales that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include bushfires, flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are projected to intensify in the coming decades due to rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and sea level rise.
The bushfire risk is particularly concerning, as the surrounding bushland creates a high fuel load. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can quickly spread fires, threatening homes and lives. Residents should maintain their properties and have a bushfire survival plan in place.
Flooding is another significant risk, especially in low-lying areas near waterways. Intense rainfall events can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flash flooding. It is important to stay informed about weather warnings and avoid driving through floodwaters.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. It is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on elderly neighbors during heatwaves.
Sea level rise is also a concern, as it can lead to coastal erosion and inundation. Protecting coastal areas and infrastructure will be crucial in the coming years.
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 change risks in Wattamolla?
The main climate change risks in Wattamolla are bushfires, flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are projected to increase in the coming decades due to rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and sea level rise.
How can I prepare my home for bushfires in Wattamolla?
To prepare your home for bushfires, clear vegetation around your home, have a water supply ready, and develop a bushfire survival plan. Stay informed about fire danger ratings and warnings.
What should I do during a heatwave in Wattamolla?
During a heatwave, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on elderly neighbors. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
How will sea level rise affect Wattamolla?
Sea level rise can lead to coastal erosion and inundation in Wattamolla. Protecting coastal areas and infrastructure will be crucial in the coming years.
Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Wattamolla?
You can find more information about climate change risks in Wattamolla from the NSW State Emergency Service, the NSW Rural Fire Service, the Bureau of Meteorology, and the CSIRO.
Is Wattamolla a good place to invest in property considering climate change?
Wattamolla faces increasing climate risks, which may impact property values and insurance premiums. Buyers should carefully consider these risks before investing in property in the area.
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 Wattamolla, 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