Climate Risk Assessment: Phillip, ACT

Phillip, Australian Capital Territory· 2606

Medium Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Phillip faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's urban environment and altered drainage patterns contribute to its vulnerability to these hazards. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense heat events and potential flooding.

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 Phillip

increasing

Flood

60/100

Phillip faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. Development and urbanisation have altered natural drainage patterns, increasing vulnerability.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

stable

Bushfire

40/100

Phillip has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban location and distance from large areas of dense vegetation. However, nearby grasslands and reserves pose a potential threat during dry periods with strong winds.

Key drivers:

·Proximity to grasslands
·Dry vegetation

increasing

Heat

70/100

Phillip is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the risk, particularly in densely built areas with limited green space.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Phillip 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 Phillip

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

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

Primary Drivers

·Rising average temperatures
·Urban heat island effect
·Reduced green space

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Altered drainage patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

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

Projections (N/A)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Primary Drivers

·Proximity to grasslands
·Dry vegetation
·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk and heatwave exposure.

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.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Yarralumla Creek
Elevation Range: 550-580m
Flood Zone: Areas adjacent to Yarralumla Creek are susceptible to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Approximately 2km to Red Hill Nature Reserve
Planning Overlay: ACT Emergency Services Agency Bushfire Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area: No

Heat Evidence

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

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2018

stormModerate

Severe thunderstorms caused flash flooding and property damage in Phillip.

Source

2011

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall led to localised flooding in low-lying areas of Phillip, impacting businesses and residences.

Source

2013

heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	60	6.5(+0.5)	7.0(+1.0)
bushfire	40	4.2(+0.2)	4.5(+0.5)
heat	70	7.8(+0.8)	8.5(+1.5)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Phillip is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, with a slight increase in flood risk due to heavier rainfall events. Bushfire risk remains relatively stable.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement urban greening initiatives

Near-term

Increase tree canopy cover and green spaces to mitigate the urban heat island effect and provide shade.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Establish a comprehensive plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote community awareness and preparedness

Long-term

Educate residents about climate risks and provide resources for preparing for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Phillip's Climate Risk Profile

Phillip, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding from intense rainfall and heatwaves exacerbated by the urban heat island effect.

Flooding is a concern due to the suburb's developed landscape and modified drainage systems. Intense rainfall events can overwhelm existing infrastructure, leading to localised flooding and property damage. Climate projections indicate an increase in rainfall intensity, further elevating this risk.

Heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of Phillip's residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and paved surfaces, amplifies temperatures, making heatwaves more severe.

While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other areas, the presence of nearby grasslands and reserves means that Phillip is not entirely immune. Dry conditions and strong winds can create conditions conducive to bushfires, posing a potential threat to properties on the suburb's periphery.

Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in improved drainage infrastructure, urban greening initiatives to mitigate the urban heat island effect, and community awareness programs to promote preparedness for extreme weather events.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACT Government 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 change risks in Phillip?

The main climate change risks in Phillip are flooding from intense rainfall events and heatwaves exacerbated by the urban heat island effect.

How is the ACT government addressing climate change in Phillip?

The ACT government is implementing various strategies, including upgrading drainage infrastructure, promoting urban greening, and developing heatwave management plans.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves in Phillip?

Residents can stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, check on vulnerable neighbors, and follow advice from health authorities.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Phillip?

You can find information about flood risks on the ACT government's Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate website, including flood maps and historical flood data.

Are there any community initiatives to address climate change in Phillip?

Yes, there are various community initiatives focused on sustainability, such as community gardens, energy efficiency programs, and waste reduction campaigns.