Climate Risk in Higgins, ACT

Higgins, Australian Capital Territory· 2615

Medium Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Higgins faces moderate risks from bushfires, heatwaves and flooding. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. Residents should take steps to prepare for these hazards.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

4.0

Bushfire

6.0

Heat

5.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Higgins

increasing

Flood

40/100

Higgins faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. Properties in low-lying areas are more vulnerable.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Higgins has a notable bushfire risk due to its proximity to surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures

increasing

Heat

50/100

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

Key drivers:

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

As Higgins is located inland, the risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion is very low.

Key drivers:

·Distance from coast

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 Higgins

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

50/100

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

Primary Drivers

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Higgins faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. Properties in low-lying areas are more vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

As Higgins is located inland, the risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion is very low.

Primary Drivers

·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Higgins has a notable bushfire risk due to its proximity to surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures
·Strong winds
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risk of bushfires and floods.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
4.Develop a bushfire survival plan.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Ginninderra Creek
Elevation Range: 580-620m
Flood Zone: Medium

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent
Planning Overlay: ACTMAPi
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: None
Erosion Risk: None

Historical Climate Events

2003

bushfireCatastrophic

The 2003 Canberra bushfires caused widespread damage and loss of life in the region, including areas near Higgins.

Source

2018

heatwaveModerate

Canberra experienced a prolonged heatwave in January 2018, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days.

Source

2022

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in parts of Canberra, including some areas near Higgins.

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)	6.8(+0.8)
heat	50	5.6(+0.6)	6.2(+1.2)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Higgins is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, driven primarily by more frequent and intense heatwaves and bushfires. Flooding risk is also expected to increase due to more extreme rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan

Immediate

Create a detailed plan for protecting your family and property in the event of a bushfire. This should include clearing vegetation around your home, preparing an emergency kit, and knowing your evacuation route.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve Home Cooling

Near-term

Install air conditioning or fans to help keep your home cool during heatwaves. Consider planting trees to provide shade and reduce the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Improve Stormwater Drainage

Near-term

Ensure that stormwater drains around your property are clear of debris to prevent flooding. Consider installing rain gardens or other measures to reduce stormwater runoff.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Community Resilience

Long-term

Participate in community initiatives to prepare for climate change impacts. This could include volunteering with emergency services or joining a local climate action group.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Higgins's Climate Risk Profile

Higgins, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is subject to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to bushland increases its vulnerability to bushfires, particularly during the dry summer months. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire events, posing a significant threat to life and property.

Higgins is also susceptible to flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events that can overwhelm stormwater drainage systems. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable, and climate change is expected to increase the risk of flooding due to more extreme rainfall patterns.

Heatwaves are another growing concern for Higgins. As temperatures rise, the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses increases, especially for vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect can further exacerbate the impact of heatwaves in densely populated areas.

While Higgins is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, could indirectly affect the suburb. Residents should stay informed about climate risks and take steps to prepare for potential impacts.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACT 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 Higgins?

Higgins faces increasing risks from bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding due to climate change. These risks are projected to worsen in the coming decades.

How can I prepare my home for a bushfire?

Clear vegetation around your home, prepare an emergency kit, and develop a bushfire survival plan. Stay informed about bushfire alerts and warnings.

What can I do to stay cool during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I reduce my risk of flooding?

Ensure that stormwater drains around your property are clear of debris. Consider installing rain gardens or other measures to reduce stormwater runoff.

Where can I find more information about climate change in the ACT?

Visit the ACT Government's climate change website for information on climate projections, adaptation strategies, and local initiatives.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Higgins, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Higgins →

Other Suburbs in Australian Capital Territory

Act55 ACT Remainder - Belconnen—ACT Remainder - Booth—ACT Remainder - Coree—ACT Remainder - Cotter River—ACT Remainder - Gungahlin—View all Australian Capital Territory suburbs →

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Higgins's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

Get Your flood Risk Report — A$69

What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B

2022 insured disaster losses*

$300B+

climate risk to property by 2050*

30-120%

insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections