Australia's First National Climate Risk Assessment

Published on 03 October 2025

Australia’s First National Climate Risk Assessment: What It Means for Lane Cove

The Federal Government has released Australia’s first National Climate Risk Assessment, outlining 63 major climate risks likely to affect communities across the country - including Lane Cove.

Key national risks include:

• Changes in temperatures, including extremes, leading to increased health risks, especially for vulnerable residents
• Rising sea levels, with 1.5 million Australians potentially affected by 2050
• Loss of important ecosystems and species, impacting clean air and water, food security, raw materials for medicines, and other factors
• Strain on infrastructure and services from more frequent extreme weather events

While Lane Cove is not directly exposed to sea-level rise, we are vulnerable to extreme heat, bushfire smoke, and storm damage. 

Council is currently reviewing its Sustainability Action Plan and continuing work on local initiatives such as:

• Increasing urban tree canopy
• Upgrading stormwater infrastructure
• Supporting community emergency preparedness

You can read more about the Risk Assessment here. You can also visit https://www.lanecove.nsw.gov.au/Environment-Sustainability to learn more about Sustainability in our LGA.