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PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk Assessment: Fyshwick, ACT

Fyshwick, Australian Capital Territory· UNKNOWN· 2609
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Fyshwick is an industrial suburb in Canberra facing moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding from the Molonglo River and increasing heatwave intensity. Bushfire risk is relatively low but not negligible.

Overall Risk Score

5.5/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.0/10

Fyshwick is susceptible to heatwaves, particularly during summer. The urban heat island effect can amplify temperatures, posing risks to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·High density of buildings

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.0/10

Fyshwick faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near the Molonglo River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·River proximity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

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

Projections (N/A)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

4.0/10

Fyshwick has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urbanized nature and distance from dense bushland. However, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential concern.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to grasslands
  • ·Ember attack potential
  • ·Dry vegetation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurers may increase premiums in flood-prone areas.

Price Impact

Properties in flood zones may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess building resilience to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider potential for business disruption from extreme weather.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

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

Areas near the Molonglo River are most vulnerable. Check the ACT government flood maps for detailed information.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
2km to nearest grassland
Planning Overlay
Check ACT Emergency Services Agency website
Bushfire Prone Area
No

While not a designated bushfire-prone area, ember attacks are possible during severe fire weather.

Heat Evidence

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

Expect more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. The urban heat island effect is pronounced in Fyshwick.

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 Fyshwick.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

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

Source
2023
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused minor flooding in low-lying areas of Fyshwick.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.06.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire4.04.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)
heat7.07.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal1.01.01.0

By 2030, Fyshwick is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as an increased risk of flooding. Bushfire risk will also slightly increase.

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

Implement Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Building Codes

Near-term

Update building codes to ensure new buildings are more resilient to extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Emergency Preparedness

Immediate

Improve emergency preparedness and response capabilities to deal with climate-related disasters.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Fyshwick's Climate Risk Profile

Fyshwick, an industrial hub in Canberra, is subject to several climate-related challenges. Its proximity to the Molonglo River makes it vulnerable to flooding, especially with projected increases in rainfall intensity. The urban environment also contributes to a significant urban heat island effect, exacerbating the impact of heatwaves.

While the risk of direct bushfire impact is lower compared to more vegetated suburbs, Fyshwick is still susceptible to ember attacks originating from fires in surrounding areas. The industrial nature of the suburb means that businesses need to consider climate resilience in their operations and infrastructure planning.

Climate change projections indicate a worsening of these risks in the coming decades. Both flood and heatwave intensity are expected to increase, potentially leading to disruptions to business operations and increased health risks for workers. Adapting to these changes will require a combination of infrastructure improvements, emergency preparedness measures, and community awareness programs.

Addressing these challenges proactively is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability and resilience of Fyshwick as a key economic center in the ACT. Businesses and residents alike need to be aware of the risks and take steps to mitigate their impact.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACT Environment and Planning Directorate

Local Government Resources

ACT Government

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Fyshwick?

The main risks are increased flooding from the Molonglo River and more frequent and intense heatwaves. There is also a risk of ember attacks from bushfires.

How will climate change affect businesses in Fyshwick?

Businesses may face disruptions from flooding and heatwaves, as well as increased insurance costs. It's important to implement climate resilience measures.

What is the urban heat island effect, and how does it affect Fyshwick?

The urban heat island effect is when urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities. This effect exacerbates heatwaves in Fyshwick.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Fyshwick?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Businesses should ensure adequate cooling for workers.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Fyshwick?

You can find flood maps and information on the ACT Environment and Planning Directorate website.

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