Climate Risk in Hume, ACT

Hume, Australian Capital Territory
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Hume faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly heatwaves, requiring proactive adaptation measures.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
3.8
Heat
6.5
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Hume

increasing

Flood

45/100

Hume faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby waterways. Industrial areas may be particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

38/100

Hume has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to grasslands and industrial areas with flammable materials. Hot, dry conditions exacerbate the risk during bushfire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

65/100

Hume experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Industrial areas and warehouses can amplify the effects of extreme heat.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

As an inland suburb, Hume has a negligible risk of coastal hazards.

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 Hume

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

65/100

Hume experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Industrial areas and warehouses can amplify the effects of extreme heat.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Hume faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby waterways. Industrial areas may be particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.8

2050

5.2

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

As an inland suburb, Hume has a negligible risk of coastal hazards.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

38/100

Hume has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to grasslands and industrial areas with flammable materials. Hot, dry conditions exacerbate the risk during bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.0

2050

4.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Potential for moderate price impact due to increased risk awareness.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and mitigation measures.
  • 3.Consider heat mitigation strategies for buildings.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

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

Industrial areas may be susceptible to flash flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to grasslands
Planning Overlay
ACT Emergency Services Agency Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Industrial areas with flammable materials increase bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

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

Warehouses and industrial buildings can trap heat.

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 in industrial areas of Hume.

Source
2003
bushfireCatastrophic

The 2003 Canberra bushfires impacted areas near Hume, causing significant damage and disruption.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in January 2017 led to increased heat stress in Hume's industrial workforce.

Source
2020
stormMinor

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in some parts of Hume.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood454.8(+0.3)5.2(+0.7)
bushfire384.0(+0.2)4.2(+0.4)
heat657.5(+1.0)8.5(+2.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Hume is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave intensity and frequency, with a slight increase in flood and bushfire risk. Adaptation measures are needed to protect the workforce and infrastructure.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement bushfire management plan

Near-term

Develop and implement a comprehensive bushfire management plan for industrial areas, including vegetation management and firebreaks.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a heatwave response plan

Immediate

Create a heatwave response plan for Hume's industrial workforce, including cooling centers and flexible work arrangements.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote green infrastructure

Long-term

Incorporate green infrastructure, such as green roofs and urban forests, to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve stormwater management.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Hume's Climate Risk Profile

Hume, an industrial suburb in the Australian Capital Territory, is exposed to several climate-related risks. Flooding is a concern due to heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby waterways. The industrial nature of the suburb increases the vulnerability of businesses and infrastructure to flood damage.

Bushfire risk is also present, with grasslands and industrial areas posing a threat during the bushfire season. Hot, dry conditions can quickly escalate the risk of bushfires, potentially impacting the suburb's industrial operations and surrounding areas.

Heatwaves are a significant concern for Hume, especially during the summer months. The urban environment and industrial infrastructure can amplify the effects of extreme heat, posing health risks to workers and potentially disrupting business operations.

While coastal risks are negligible due to Hume's inland location, the suburb must focus on mitigating the impacts of flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves to ensure the safety and resilience of its community and economy. Adaptation measures and emergency preparedness are crucial for managing these risks effectively.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Hume?

Hume faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change.

How will climate change affect my business in Hume?

Climate change may lead to increased disruptions from extreme weather events, higher insurance costs, and potential impacts on workforce productivity due to heat stress.

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

The ACT Government is implementing climate strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including measures to improve stormwater drainage and manage bushfire risk.

How can I prepare my property for flooding in Hume?

Check flood maps, ensure adequate insurance coverage, and implement measures to protect your property from flood damage, such as raising electrical equipment and sealing walls.

What should I do during a heatwave in Hume?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Check on vulnerable neighbors and employees.

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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