Climate Risk Assessment for Beard, ACT

Beard, Australian Capital Territory· 2600

Medium Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Beard is a suburb in the Australian Capital Territory that faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. While bushfire risk is relatively low, it's important to stay informed and prepared for potential impacts.

Overall Risk Score

55/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.0

Bushfire

4.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Beard

increasing

Flood

60/100

Beard faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Molonglo River and relatively flat terrain. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development increasing runoff

stable

Bushfire

40/100

Beard has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its location within an urban area and distance from dense bushland. However, grassfires can still pose a threat during dry periods.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·Increased temperatures

increasing

Heat

70/100

Beard is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Key drivers:

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Beard is not exposed to coastal risks due to its inland location.

stable

Wind

24/100

Moderate wind risk — gusty summer winds

stable

Storm

28/100

Moderate storm risk — spring/summer thunderstorms

stable

Social

18/100

Moderate social stability — high public sector

increasing

Energy

32/100

Moderate energy costs — heating and cooling

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Beard

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Beard is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Primary Drivers

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Beard faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Molonglo River and relatively flat terrain. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development increasing runoff

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Beard is not exposed to coastal risks due to its inland location.

Projections (N/A)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Beard has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its location within an urban area and distance from dense bushland. However, grassfires can still pose a threat during dry periods.

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·Increased temperatures

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Molonglo River
Elevation Range: 550-570m
Flood Zone: Potentially affected by riverine flooding

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: 2km to nearest nature reserve
Planning Overlay: ACT Emergency Services Agency Bushfire Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area: No

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 3 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 150 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: N/A
Erosion Risk: N/A

Historical Climate Events

2018

stormModerate

Severe thunderstorms caused flash flooding and property damage in parts of Canberra, including areas near Beard.

Source

2003

bushfireCatastrophic

The 2003 Canberra bushfires impacted the region, although Beard itself was not directly affected, the smoke and disruption were significant.

Source

2017

heatwaveModerate

Canberra experienced a prolonged heatwave in February 2017, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several consecutive days.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	60	6.5(+0.5)	7.0(+1.0)
bushfire	40	4.2(+0.2)	4.5(+0.5)
heat	70	7.8(+0.8)	8.5(+1.5)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Beard is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with the most significant impacts stemming from increased heatwave frequency and intensity. Flood risk is also expected to rise due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as improved drainage systems and levees.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Maintain vegetation around properties and develop a bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce the strain on water resources during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Beard's Climate Risk Profile

Beard, ACT, is situated in an area that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns for this suburb are related to flooding and heatwaves, with a lesser but still present risk from bushfires.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the suburb's proximity to the Molonglo River. Increased rainfall intensity, a projected consequence of climate change, could lead to more frequent and severe flood events. Urban development in the surrounding areas may also exacerbate runoff, further increasing the risk.

Heatwaves are another major threat. As global temperatures rise, Beard is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a particular risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban heat island effect may also amplify the impact of heatwaves in certain areas.

While the risk of bushfires is relatively low compared to other parts of the ACT, it is still important to be aware of the potential threat. Grassfires can occur during dry periods, and residents should take precautions to protect their properties.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACT Government Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate

Local Government Resources

ACT Government

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Beard?

The main climate change risks for Beard are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall, more frequent and severe heatwaves, and a potential increase in bushfire risk.

How will climate change affect property values in Beard?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value. It's important to assess a property's vulnerability to climate risks before purchasing.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Beard?

The ACT Government has a climate change strategy that aims to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes measures to improve flood defenses, manage bushfire risk, and promote water conservation.

How can I prepare my home for heatwaves in Beard?

You can prepare your home for heatwaves by installing insulation, using fans and air conditioning, and staying hydrated. It's also important to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Beard?

You can find more information about flood risks in Beard on the ACT Government's Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate website, which includes flood maps and historical flood data.