Climate Risk Assessment for Reid, ACT

Reid, Australian Capital Territory· City of Canberra· 2612

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Reid faces moderate climate risks, primarily from heatwaves and potential flooding. The suburb's urban location mitigates some bushfire risk, but increasing temperatures and rainfall intensity require attention.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

4.5

Bushfire

3.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Reid

increasing

Flood

45/100

Reid faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Lake Burley Griffin and some low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to localised flooding.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

stable

Bushfire

30/100

Reid has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its location within an urban area. However, nearby bushland areas pose a potential threat during extreme fire weather conditions.

Key drivers:

·Proximity to bushland
·Dry vegetation

increasing

Heat

70/100

Reid is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Reid 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 Reid

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

Reid is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect
·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Reid faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Lake Burley Griffin and some low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to localised flooding.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Aging drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Reid is not exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Reid has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its location within an urban area. However, nearby bushland areas pose a potential threat during extreme fire weather conditions.

Primary Drivers

·Proximity to bushland
·Dry vegetation
·Extreme weather events

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to increased flood and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Properties in areas prone to flooding or heat stress may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Inquire about local council's climate adaptation plans.
4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Lake Burley Griffin
Elevation Range: 550-570m
Flood Zone: Low to Moderate

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Within 1km
Planning Overlay: ACT Emergency Services Agency Bushfire Prone Areas Map
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

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

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 1000 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not Applicable
Erosion Risk: Not Applicable

Historical Climate Events

2018

heatwaveModerate

Canberra experienced a prolonged heatwave in January 2018, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several consecutive days.

Source

2020

stormModerate

A severe thunderstorm caused flash flooding and property damage in parts of Canberra, including Reid.

Source

2003

bushfireCatastrophic

The 2003 Canberra bushfires caused widespread devastation, although Reid was not directly impacted, the event highlighted the region's vulnerability.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	45	4.8(+0.3)	5.0(+0.5)
bushfire	30	3.1(+0.1)	3.2(+0.2)
heat	70	7.8(+0.8)	8.5(+1.5)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Reid is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by rising temperatures and increased heatwave frequency. Flood risk may also increase due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Implement a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a comprehensive heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat events. This should include public awareness campaigns, cooling centers, and outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Invest in upgrading stormwater drainage infrastructure to improve flood resilience and reduce the risk of localised flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote energy efficiency and green infrastructure

Long-term

Encourage energy efficiency upgrades in homes and businesses to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lower energy bills. Promote the use of green infrastructure, such as green roofs and urban forests, to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance community bushfire preparedness

Near-term

Raise community awareness about bushfire risks and promote preparedness measures, such as creating defensible spaces around homes and developing evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Reid's Climate Risk Profile

Reid, located in Canberra, is projected to experience increased climate-related challenges in the coming decades. Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant risk to residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect may exacerbate these impacts.

Flooding is another concern for Reid, with potential for localised flooding during intense rainfall events. Aging drainage infrastructure and increased urban development can contribute to this risk. Proactive measures to improve drainage and manage stormwater are essential.

While the bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other areas, Reid is not entirely immune. Nearby bushland areas could pose a threat during extreme fire weather conditions. Maintaining vegetation and implementing fire safety measures are important.

Overall, Reid requires a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation, focusing on mitigating heat risks, managing flood risks, and maintaining bushfire preparedness. Community engagement and collaboration with local authorities are crucial for building resilience.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · City of Canberra

Local Government Resources

City of Canberra

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Reid?

The main climate change risks for Reid are heatwaves and flooding. Rising temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days pose a threat to public health, while increased rainfall intensity can lead to localised flooding.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The City of Canberra is implementing various climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing flood resilience.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Reid?

To prepare for heatwaves, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbours and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Reid?

You can find information about flood risks in Reid on the City of Canberra website, including flood maps and advice on how to prepare for floods.

Is my property in Reid at risk of bushfires?

While Reid is not directly within a high-risk bushfire zone, it is adjacent to areas designated as bushfire prone. It is important to maintain vegetation and implement fire safety measures to reduce the risk.