Climate Risk in Harrison, Australian Capital Territory

Harrison, Australian Capital Territory· 2914

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Harrison is a suburb in the Australian Capital Territory that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are increasing flood and heatwave risks, with bushfire risk being relatively lower. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.0

Bushfire

4.0

Heat

6.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Harrison

increasing

Flood

60/100

Harrison faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The area's topography and drainage infrastructure contribute to this risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

stable

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Harrison is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to proximity to grasslands and some surrounding bushland. Grassfires are the primary concern.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·High winds

increasing

Heat

60/100

Harrison is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly during summer months.

Key drivers:

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

As an inland suburb, Harrison has negligible coastal risk.

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 Harrison

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

60/100

Harrison is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly during summer months.

Primary Drivers

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Harrison faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The area's topography and drainage infrastructure contribute to this risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Aging infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

As an inland suburb, Harrison has negligible coastal risk.

Projections (RCP2.6)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Harrison is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to proximity to grasslands and some surrounding bushland. Grassfires are the primary concern.

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·High winds
·Human activity

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to flood and heat risks.

Price Impact

Potential for moderate price impact in the long term.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
2.Assess property's heat resistance.
3.Consider bushfire risk mitigation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Ginninderra Creek
Elevation Range: 580-620m
Flood Zone: Potentially affected by overland flow

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Within 1km of grassland reserves
Planning Overlay: ACTmapi Bushfire Prone Areas
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 parts of Canberra, including areas near Harrison.

Source

2017

heatwaveModerate

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

Source

2003

bushfireCatastrophic

The 2003 Canberra bushfires caused widespread destruction and loss of life in the region. While Harrison was not directly impacted, the event highlighted the vulnerability of the area to bushfires.

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	60	6.8(+0.8)	7.5(+1.5)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Harrison is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a moderate rise in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk is expected to remain relatively stable.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Increase green spaces

Near-term

Plant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop community emergency plans

Immediate

Create community-based emergency plans to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Harrison's Climate Risk Profile

Harrison, located in the Gungahlin district of Canberra, is projected to experience increasing climate-related challenges in the coming decades. The suburb's vulnerability to flooding is expected to rise due to more intense rainfall events, potentially impacting properties and infrastructure. Mitigation strategies, such as improved stormwater management, are crucial to address this growing threat.

Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and severe, posing health risks to residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban heat island effect exacerbates this issue, making it essential to implement measures to reduce urban temperatures, such as increasing green spaces and using cool building materials.

While the risk of bushfires is relatively lower compared to other regions, it is still a concern, particularly during dry periods. Maintaining vegetation and implementing fire safety measures are important to minimize the potential for bushfire impacts.

Coastal risks are negligible due to Harrison's inland location. However, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, could indirectly affect the suburb. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation is necessary to ensure the long-term resilience of Harrison.

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 in Harrison?

The main risks are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall, more frequent and severe heatwaves, and a moderate risk of bushfires.

How will climate change affect property values in Harrison?

Climate change may have a moderate impact on property values in the long term, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas or those vulnerable to heatwaves.

What can I do to prepare my home for extreme weather events?

You can improve your home's insulation, install water tanks, create a bushfire action plan, and ensure your property is adequately insured.

Where can I find information about local emergency services?

You can find information about local emergency services on the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) website.

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

The ACT Government is implementing a range of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, including improving stormwater management, increasing green spaces, and promoting water conservation.