Climate Risk Assessment for Evatt, ACT

Evatt, Australian Capital Territory· 2617

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Evatt is a suburb in the Australian Capital Territory that faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should take steps to prepare for these hazards.

Overall Risk Score

55/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

4.0

Bushfire

6.0

Heat

6.5

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Evatt

increasing

Flood

40/100

Evatt has a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and localised flash flooding. Some areas are more susceptible due to drainage limitations.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Evatt faces a notable bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures

increasing

Heat

65/100

Evatt is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.

Key drivers:

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Evatt is not directly 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 Evatt

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

65/100

Evatt is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.

Primary Drivers

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Evatt has a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and localised flash flooding. Some areas are more susceptible due to drainage limitations.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Evatt is not directly exposed to coastal risks due to its inland location.

Projections (N/A)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Evatt faces a notable bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures
·Windy conditions
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to increased climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and bushfire risk assessments.
2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Inquire about past flood or bushfire events.
4.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Ginninderra Creek
Elevation Range: 580-620m
Flood Zone: Areas near Ginninderra Creek are potentially flood-prone.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent to nature reserves.
Planning Overlay: ACT Emergency Services Agency bushfire risk map.
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

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: Not applicable.
Erosion Risk: Not applicable.

Historical Climate Events

2018

stormModerate

Severe thunderstorms caused flash flooding and property damage in Canberra, including Evatt.

Source

2003

bushfireCatastrophic

The 2003 Canberra bushfires caused widespread destruction and loss of life. Evatt was impacted by smoke and ember attacks.

Source

2020

heatwaveModerate

Canberra experienced a prolonged heatwave in the summer of 2020, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	40	4.3(+0.3)	4.6(+0.6)
bushfire	60	6.4(+0.4)	6.7(+0.7)
heat	65	7.3(+0.8)	8.0(+1.5)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Evatt is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave intensity and bushfire risk. Flooding risk will also increase due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade local drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as vegetation management and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Develop and implement a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Conduct community awareness programs to educate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Evatt's Climate Risk Profile

Evatt, located in the Belconnen district of Canberra, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns for Evatt are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Changes in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures are contributing to these risks.

Flooding can occur due to intense rainfall events, overwhelming local drainage systems. Properties in low-lying areas are particularly susceptible. Bushfire risk is elevated due to the suburb's proximity to surrounding bushland, especially during dry and windy conditions.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, posing health risks to residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify temperatures in built-up areas.

While Evatt is not directly impacted by coastal hazards, the broader effects of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic impacts, can still affect the community. Taking proactive adaptation measures is crucial to building resilience and protecting the well-being of Evatt residents.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACT Government

Local Government Resources

ACT Government

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Evatt?

The main climate change risks for Evatt are increased flooding, bushfire risk, and more frequent and intense heatwaves.

How can I prepare my home for a bushfire in Evatt?

You can prepare your home by clearing vegetation around your property, maintaining gutters, and having a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave in Evatt?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Evatt?

You can find information about flood risks on the ACT Government's City Services website, which provides flood maps and related resources.

Is climate change going to affect my insurance premiums in Evatt?

Yes, it is likely that insurance premiums will increase in Evatt due to the increased risks associated with climate change, such as flooding and bushfires.