Climate Risk Profile: Kambah, ACT

kambah, Australian Capital Territory· UNKNOWN· 2902
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

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

5.2/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

5.0/10

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

Data source

flood Risk

4.5/10

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

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

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

Data source

bushfire Risk

6.0/10

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

Data source

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 map

Bushfire 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

2003
bushfireCatastrophic

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

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 localized flooding in parts of Canberra, including areas near Kambah.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood4.54.8(+0.3)5.0(+0.5)
bushfire6.06.2(+0.2)6.3(+0.3)
heat5.05.5(+0.5)6.0(+1.0)
coastal1.01.01.0

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 Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of localized flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement bushfire mitigation measures

Immediate

Clear vegetation around properties, maintain firebreaks, and develop a bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Increase tree canopy cover

Long-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote energy efficiency

Near-term

Encourage residents to adopt energy-efficient appliances and building designs to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Est. cost: Low to Medium

Learn more

About 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

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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