Climate Risk in Macquarie, ACT

Macquarie, Australian Capital Territory· 2614

Medium Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Macquarie faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk being relatively low. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly heatwaves and intense rainfall events. Residents should prepare for hotter summers and potential flooding events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.0

Bushfire

4.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Macquarie

increasing

Flood

60/100

Macquarie faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and the potential for flash flooding. Development and urbanization have altered natural drainage patterns, increasing runoff.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

stable

Bushfire

40/100

Macquarie has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its location within a developed urban area. However, proximity to surrounding bushland areas means there is still a potential for ember attack and grass fires.

Key drivers:

·Proximity to bushland
·Dry vegetation

increasing

Heat

70/100

Macquarie is experiencing increasing heatwave intensity and duration. Urban areas tend to trap more heat, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas.

Key drivers:

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Macquarie is not exposed to coastal risks due to its inland location.

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 Macquarie

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

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

70/100

Macquarie is experiencing increasing heatwave intensity and duration. Urban areas tend to trap more heat, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas.

Primary Drivers

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect
·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

flood Risk

60/100

Macquarie faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and the potential for flash flooding. Development and urbanization have altered natural drainage patterns, increasing runoff.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Altered drainage patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

coastal Risk

10/100

Macquarie is not exposed to coastal risks due to its inland location.

Projections (N/A)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

bushfire Risk

40/100

Macquarie has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its location within a developed urban area. However, proximity to surrounding bushland areas means there is still a potential for ember attack and grass fires.

Primary Drivers

·Proximity to bushland
·Dry vegetation
·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.
4.Evaluate bushfire risk mitigation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Lake Ginninderra
Elevation Range: 580-620m
Flood Zone: Potentially affected by flash flooding

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent to nature reserves
Planning Overlay: ACTMAPi Bushfire Prone Areas
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 150 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: N/A
Erosion Risk: N/A

Historical Climate Events

2018

stormModerate

Severe thunderstorm with heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in parts of Macquarie.

2020

heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 35°C for several consecutive days.

2022

floodMinor

Heavy rainfall event led to flash flooding in low-lying areas of Macquarie.

2003

bushfireMajor

The 2003 Canberra bushfires impacted the region, with smoke and ember attacks affecting Macquarie.

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	60	6.2(+0.2)	6.8(+0.8)
bushfire	40	4.1(+0.1)	4.2(+0.2)
heat	70	7.5(+0.5)	8.5(+1.5)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Macquarie is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by more frequent and intense heatwaves and increased rainfall intensity.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Increase Green Spaces

Near-term

Plant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Promote Energy Efficiency

Long-term

Encourage energy-efficient building designs and retrofits to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Est. cost: High

Community Awareness Programs

Immediate

Implement community education programs to raise awareness about climate risks and promote preparedness for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Maintain vegetation around properties and prepare a bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

About Macquarie's Climate Risk Profile

Macquarie, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is primarily exposed to risks associated with flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's urban environment contributes to the urban heat island effect, increasing the severity of heatwaves. Changes in rainfall patterns are expected to increase the risk of flash flooding.

While the risk of bushfire is lower compared to some other areas in the ACT, Macquarie is still susceptible to ember attacks from nearby bushland. Maintaining vegetation around properties and being prepared for potential bushfire events is important.

Climate change projections indicate that Macquarie will experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as changes in rainfall patterns that could lead to increased flooding. It is crucial for residents and local authorities to implement adaptation measures to mitigate these risks.

These measures include improving drainage infrastructure, increasing green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect, and implementing building codes that promote energy efficiency and resilience to extreme weather events. Community awareness and preparedness are also essential for minimizing the impacts of climate change on Macquarie.

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 risks in Macquarie?

The main climate risks in Macquarie are flooding, heatwaves, and potential ember attack from bushfires.

How will climate change affect Macquarie?

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and extreme rainfall events, leading to increased flooding risk.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Macquarie?

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and use air conditioning or fans to stay cool. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I protect my property from flooding in Macquarie?

Ensure your property has adequate drainage, clear gutters and downpipes, and consider installing flood barriers if you live in a flood-prone area.

What should I do if there is a bushfire near Macquarie?

Stay informed about the fire situation, follow the advice of emergency services, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Have a bushfire survival plan in place.

Is my home insurance likely to increase due to climate change?

Potentially, yes. As the risks of flooding and heatwaves increase, insurance premiums may rise to reflect the increased risk of damage to properties.

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 Macquarie, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Macquarie →

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 Macquarie'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