Climate Risk Assessment for Pialligo, ACT

Pialligo, Australian Capital Territory

Medium Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Pialligo faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather 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 Pialligo

increasing

Flood

60/100

Pialligo faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Molonglo River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·River proximity

increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Pialligo has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and proximity to bushland areas. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

·Proximity to bushland
·Dry vegetation

increasing

Heat

70/100

Pialligo is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

stable

Coastal

10/100

Pialligo is not exposed to coastal risks.

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 Pialligo

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

Pialligo is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·River proximity
·Low-lying topography

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Pialligo is not exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Primary Drivers

·Proximity to bushland
·Dry vegetation
·Increased temperatures

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to increased flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
3.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.
4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related risks.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Molonglo River
Elevation Range: 550-580m
Flood Zone: Areas near the Molonglo River are prone to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent to grasslands and scattered bushland.
Planning Overlay: ACT Emergency Services Agency bushfire risk maps.
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

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: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2018

stormModerate

Severe thunderstorms caused flash flooding and property damage in the Canberra region.

Source

2003

bushfireCatastrophic

The 2003 Canberra bushfires caused widespread destruction and loss of life in the region.

Source

2011

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused the Molonglo River to flood, impacting low-lying areas in and around Canberra.

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	4.3(+0.3)	4.5(+0.5)
heat	70	7.7(+0.7)	8.2(+1.2)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Pialligo is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, increased rainfall intensity leading to higher flood risk, and a slightly elevated bushfire risk due to drier conditions.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Create a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water stress during periods of drought and high temperatures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Pialligo's Climate Risk Profile

Pialligo, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's proximity to the Molonglo River makes it susceptible to flooding, which is expected to worsen with increased rainfall intensity.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban environment can exacerbate the effects of heat, creating an urban heat island effect.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, with surrounding grasslands and bushland areas providing fuel for potential fires. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.

While Pialligo is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased insurance costs, can still affect the suburb. Residents and businesses should take steps to adapt to these changing conditions.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACT Government

Local Government Resources

ACT Government

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Pialligo?

The main climate change risks in Pialligo are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall, more frequent and severe heatwaves, and a higher risk of bushfires.

How can I prepare my home for increased flood risk?

You can prepare your home by elevating appliances, installing flood barriers, and ensuring proper drainage around your property. Check the ACT government flood maps for detailed information.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I reduce my bushfire risk?

Reduce your bushfire risk by clearing vegetation around your home, maintaining your gutters, and having a bushfire survival plan. Refer to the ACT Emergency Services Agency for detailed guidance.

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

You can find more information about climate change impacts in the ACT on the ACT Government's environment and planning website and the CSIRO climate change website.