Climate Risk in Franklin, ACT

Franklin, Australian Capital Territory· 2913

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Franklin is a suburb in the Australian Capital Territory that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are increasing heatwave intensity and potential for flooding due to increased rainfall. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.0

Bushfire

3.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Franklin

increasing

Flood

60/100

Franklin faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and the potential for flash flooding due to its proximity to waterways and urban development.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

stable

Bushfire

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Franklin is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to surrounding grasslands and potential for dry conditions.

Key drivers:

·Dry conditions
·Grassland proximity

increasing

Heat

70/100

Franklin is expected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Franklin 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 Franklin

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

Franklin is expected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect
·Increased greenhouse gas emissions

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Franklin faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and the potential for flash flooding due to its proximity to waterways and urban development.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

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

Projections (N/A)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Franklin is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to surrounding grasslands and potential for dry conditions.

Primary Drivers

·Dry conditions
·Grassland proximity
·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.
4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Ginninderra Creek
Elevation Range: 580-600m
Flood Zone: Potentially affected by overland flow

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: 2km to Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve
Planning Overlay: ACTmapi
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 Franklin.

Source

2017

heatwaveModerate

Canberra experienced a prolonged heatwave in January, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days.

Source

2020

stormMinor

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in some areas of Franklin.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	60	6.2(+0.2)	6.5(+0.5)
bushfire	30	3.1(+0.1)	3.2(+0.2)
heat	70	7.5(+0.5)	8.8(+1.8)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Franklin is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by more frequent and intense heatwaves. Flood risk may also increase due to changes in rainfall patterns.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement heatwave management plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water demand during periods of drought and heat.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Increase green spaces

Near-term

Expand green spaces and urban forests to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Franklin's Climate Risk Profile

Franklin, located in the northern part of Canberra, is projected to experience a changing climate with increasing temperatures and altered rainfall patterns. The suburb's vulnerability to climate change is primarily driven by the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, which can impact human health and strain infrastructure.

Flooding is another significant concern for Franklin. Increased rainfall intensity, combined with existing urban development, elevates the risk of flash flooding. Proper stormwater management and infrastructure upgrades are crucial to mitigate these risks.

While bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other regions, it is still a factor to consider, especially during dry periods. Maintaining vegetation and implementing fire safety measures can help reduce the potential for bushfire impacts.

The local council is actively working on climate adaptation strategies to address these challenges. These strategies include improving stormwater infrastructure, implementing heatwave management plans, and promoting water conservation measures. Residents can also play a role by adopting sustainable practices and preparing for extreme weather events.

Overall, Franklin faces a moderate level of climate risk, requiring proactive adaptation measures to ensure the community's resilience. Staying informed about climate projections and taking appropriate precautions can help residents minimize the impacts of climate change.

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

Local Government Resources

ACT Government

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Franklin?

The main climate risks facing Franklin are increasing heatwave intensity and potential for flooding due to increased rainfall. Bushfire risk is also a concern, although relatively lower compared to other regions.

How is the ACT Government addressing climate change in Franklin?

The ACT Government is implementing various climate adaptation strategies, including upgrading stormwater infrastructure, developing heatwave management plans, and promoting water conservation measures.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change impacts?

Residents can prepare for climate change impacts by checking flood maps and insurance costs, assessing their property's vulnerability to heatwaves, inquiring about council's climate adaptation plans, and considering energy efficiency upgrades.

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

You can find more information about flood risks in Franklin on the ACT Government's Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate website, which provides flood maps and related resources.

Are there any community initiatives to address climate change in Franklin?

Yes, there are various community initiatives focused on sustainability and climate action. Check with local community groups and the ACT Government for opportunities to get involved.