Climate Risk Profile: Kambah, ACT
Kambah faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change. While coastal risks are negligible, residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Kambah experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. Vulnerable populations may be at risk during extreme heat.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
5.5
2050
6.0
flood Risk
Kambah faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and the nearby Murrumbidgee River. Localised flooding can occur in low-lying areas and near drainage systems.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
5.0
2050
5.5
coastal Risk
As an inland suburb, Kambah has a very low direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from coast
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
1.0
2050
1.0
bushfire Risk
Kambah has a notable risk of bushfire due to its proximity to bushland areas. Grassfires and bushfires originating in nearby reserves can pose a threat during dry and windy conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Windy conditions
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.0
2050
6.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone or bushfire-prone areas may experience price fluctuations.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to extreme heat.
- 3.Review insurance coverage and potential premium increases.
- 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades to reduce cooling costs.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Murrumbidgee River
- Elevation Range
- 580-620m
- Flood Zone
- Areas near the Murrumbidgee River are designated as flood zones.
Localized flooding can occur in low-lying areas after heavy rainfall.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Adjacent to Namadgi National Park and other reserves
- Planning Overlay
- ACT Emergency Services Agency bushfire prone area map
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
Residents should maintain firebreaks and have a bushfire survival plan.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 28.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 3 days
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Canberra.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 150 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Not applicable
- Erosion Risk
- Not applicable
Historical Climate Events
The 2003 Canberra bushfires caused widespread damage and loss of life in the ACT region, including areas near Kambah.
SourceCanberra experienced a prolonged heatwave in January 2018, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days.
SourceHeavy rainfall caused localized flooding in parts of Canberra, including areas near Kambah.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 4.5 | 4.8(+0.3) | 5.0(+0.5) |
| bushfire | 6.0 | 6.2(+0.2) | 6.3(+0.3) |
| heat | 5.0 | 5.5(+0.5) | 6.0(+1.0) |
| coastal | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
By 2030, Kambah is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, driven primarily by more frequent and intense heatwaves and increased flood risk due to heavier rainfall events. Bushfire risk is expected to remain relatively stable.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve stormwater drainage
Near-termUpgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of localized flooding during heavy rainfall events.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImplement bushfire mitigation measures
ImmediateClear vegetation around properties, maintain firebreaks, and develop a bushfire survival plan.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreIncrease tree canopy cover
Long-termPlant more trees to provide shade and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote energy efficiency
Near-termEncourage residents to adopt energy-efficient appliances and building designs to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Est. cost: Low to Medium
Learn moreAbout kambah's Climate Risk Profile
Kambah, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is subject to several climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to the Murrumbidgee River and surrounding bushland increases its vulnerability to flooding and bushfires. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Flooding in Kambah can occur due to heavy rainfall and river overflow. Low-lying areas and properties near drainage systems are particularly susceptible. Bushfire risk is elevated during dry and windy conditions, with potential for fires to spread from nearby reserves. Residents should maintain their properties and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Kambah, posing a risk to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify temperatures in built-up areas. It is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on neighbors during heatwaves.
While Kambah is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased insurance costs, can still affect the suburb. Residents should stay informed about climate risks and take steps to adapt to a changing climate.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACT Government Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate
Local Government Resources
ACT Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks in Kambah?
Kambah faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change.
How can I prepare my property for bushfires?
Clear vegetation around your property, maintain firebreaks, and develop a bushfire survival plan.
What should I do during a heatwave?
Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on neighbors.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Kambah?
You can find flood maps and information on the ACT Government's Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate website.
How is the ACT Government addressing climate change?
The ACT Government has a climate change strategy that outlines its plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
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