Mawson vs Melba — Which is Safer?

Compare climate risk between Mawson, Australian Capital Territory and Melba, Australian Capital Territory. Our analysis uses data from BOM, CSIRO, and state hazard authorities to score each suburb across 6 climate hazards.

35/100
Moderate
39/100
Moderate
Hazard
Flood28/10046/100
Bushfire37/10065/100
Heat79/10057/100
Storm23/10027/100
Coastal16/10018/100
Cyclone26/10019/100

How to Interpret These Scores

Each hazard is scored from 0 (minimal risk) to 100 (severe risk). Scores are derived from BOM historical data, CSIRO climate projections, and state hazard authority mapping. A score of 50 means the property is in the moderate range — above average risk but not extreme. Scores above 67 indicate high risk requiring due diligence.

Minimal
0-16
Low
17-33
Moderate
34-50
Elevated
51-66
High
67-83
Severe
84-100

Insurance Cost Trajectory

Based on the hazard scores for these suburbs, current annual insurance premiums are estimated around A$6,572. With projected climate changes under RCP 8.5, premiums could rise to approximately A$9,201 by 2030 and A$17,087 by 2050. These projections align with Insurance Council of Australia data showing 28% average premium increases nationally between 2022-2025, with higher-risk areas seeing 80-120% increases.

Current
A$6,572
2030 (RCP 4.5)
A$9,201
2050 (RCP 8.5)
A$17,087

Property Value Climate Impact

Rising insurance premiums directly impact property values. Research from the Insurance Council of Australia and climate risk analysts shows that properties in areas with higher climate risk can experience a climate value drag. For a median-priced home, this could mean a potential impact of around A$52,575 or more over time.

Verdict

Mawson has a lower overall climate risk score (35/100) compared to Melba (39/100). We recommend getting an address-level report for properties in both suburbs before making a purchase decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mawson or Melba safer from flooding?
Mawson has a flood risk score of 28/100, while Melba scores 46/100. A lower score indicates lower flood risk. Get an address-level flood risk report for a specific property.
Which suburb has lower bushfire risk?
Mawson scores 37/100 for bushfire risk. Melba scores 65/100. Fire risk depends on proximity to vegetation and local fire history.
Should I buy in Mawson or Melba?
Both suburbs have climate considerations. Mawson has a lower overall climate risk score. We recommend getting a full ClimateNest report for any specific property you're considering, which includes 8 hazard scores, insurance projections, and actionable recommendations.

Check Your Flood Risk Now

Check Mawson's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

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What A$69 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$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections