ClimateNest
ClimateNest
PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk Assessment for Kowen, ACT

kowen, Australian Capital Territory· UNKNOWN
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Kowen faces moderate climate risks, primarily from bushfires, heatwaves and flooding. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.

Overall Risk Score

5.2/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

5.0/10

Kowen is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.0

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

4.0/10

Kowen faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby waterways. The risk is expected to increase with climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
  • ·Aging infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

6.0

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Kowen is not exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

6.0/10

Kowen has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to heavily vegetated areas. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to increased climate risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be negatively impacted by increased climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire overlays.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review insurance options and premiums.
  • 4.Develop a bushfire survival plan.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Molonglo River
Elevation Range
600-700m
Flood Zone
Low to Moderate

The Molonglo River is the primary waterway that could pose a flood risk to Kowen. Historical flood data and council maps should be consulted for detailed information.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

Kowen is located in a designated bushfire-prone area. Residents should be aware of bushfire risks and have a bushfire survival plan.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Average January maximum temperatures are expected to increase in the future, leading to more frequent and intense heat stress events.

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 had a devastating impact on the region, including areas near Kowen. The fires resulted in significant property damage and loss of life.

Source
2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of the ACT, including areas near the Molonglo River. Some properties experienced water damage.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected the ACT, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days. This put a strain on infrastructure and caused health problems for vulnerable people.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood4.04.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
bushfire6.06.6(+0.6)7.0(+1.0)
heat5.05.4(+0.4)5.8(+0.8)
coastal1.01.01.0

By 2030, Kowen is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk. Bushfire risk is expected to increase significantly due to drier conditions and higher temperatures. Heatwave frequency and intensity are also projected to rise. Flood risk may increase slightly due to changes in rainfall patterns.

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 evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and a list of essential items to take with you.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve Home Cooling and Insulation

Near-term

Install energy-efficient air conditioning and insulation to reduce the impact of heatwaves. Consider planting trees to provide shade and reduce the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Improve Flood Resilience

Near-term

Assess your property's vulnerability to flooding and take steps to mitigate the risk. This may include installing flood barriers, raising electrical outlets, and improving drainage.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Support Community Resilience Initiatives

Long-term

Participate in local community initiatives to improve climate resilience. This may include volunteering with emergency services, supporting local businesses, and advocating for climate action.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About kowen's Climate Risk Profile

Kowen, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is vulnerable to several climate-related hazards. The primary concerns are bushfires due to the surrounding vegetation, increased heatwave frequency and intensity, and potential flooding from heavy rainfall events.

The risk of bushfires is significant, with the area experiencing dry conditions and high temperatures during the fire season. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these conditions, leading to more frequent and intense bushfires.

Heatwaves are also a growing concern, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The number of days exceeding extreme temperatures is projected to increase in the coming decades.

Flooding is another potential hazard, with heavy rainfall events capable of causing flash flooding and riverine flooding. Changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change could increase the frequency and intensity of these events.

While Kowen is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, could still affect the community.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACT Government Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate

Local Government Resources

ACT Government

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Kowen?

The main climate change risks for Kowen are bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How can I prepare for bushfires in Kowen?

You can prepare for bushfires by developing a bushfire survival plan, clearing vegetation around your home, and staying informed about bushfire risks.

What can I do to stay cool during heatwaves in Kowen?

You can stay cool during heatwaves by staying indoors, using air conditioning or fans, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding strenuous activity.

How can I protect my property from flooding in Kowen?

You can protect your property from flooding by installing flood barriers, raising electrical outlets, and improving drainage.

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

You can find more information about climate change in the ACT on the ACT Government's Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate website.

Get a Property-Specific Report

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

Analyse a Property in kowen →

Analyse Your Property Now

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment covering flood, bushfire, and sea level rise and more.

Free instant preview · Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only