Climate Risk Assessment: Richmond, ACT

Richmond, Australian Capital Territory

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Richmond, ACT, faces increasing risks from bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding due to climate change. The suburb's inland location mitigates coastal risks, but proactive adaptation measures are necessary to protect residents and infrastructure.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

4.5

Bushfire

6.0

Heat

5.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Richmond

increasing

Flood

45/100

Flooding may occur from heavy rainfall events, potentially impacting low-lying areas and properties near waterways.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

increasing

Bushfire

60/100

The area is susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry and windy conditions. Increased temperatures and drier vegetation contribute to the risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier vegetation

increasing

Heat

50/100

Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risks are negligible due to the suburb's 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 Richmond

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

50/100

Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Flooding may occur from heavy rainfall events, potentially impacting low-lying areas and properties near waterways.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risks are negligible due to the suburb's inland location.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

The area is susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry and windy conditions. Increased temperatures and drier vegetation contribute to the risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier vegetation
·Windy conditions

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to heightened climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Molonglo River
Elevation Range: 550-600m
Flood Zone: Potentially affected areas near the Molonglo River

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: 3 days

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 caused widespread damage and loss of life in the region.

Source

2018

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in early 2018 resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source

2022

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in parts of Canberra, including areas near the Molonglo River.

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	60	6.4(+0.4)	6.7(+0.7)
heat	50	5.6(+0.6)	6.0(+1.0)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Richmond is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, driven primarily by rising temperatures and increased bushfire risk. Flooding risk will also increase due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and implement community bushfire preparedness plans, including evacuation routes and firebreaks.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Urban Cooling

Near-term

Increase green spaces, plant trees, and implement cool pavement technologies to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to manage increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Strengthen Community Resilience

Long-term

Promote community awareness and education about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Richmond's Climate Risk Profile

Richmond, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is projected to experience increased climate-related risks in the coming decades. Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns are expected to exacerbate existing hazards such as bushfires and flooding.

The risk of bushfires is a significant concern, with hotter, drier conditions creating a more conducive environment for fire ignition and spread. Residents should be prepared for longer and more intense bushfire seasons.

Heatwaves are also expected to become more frequent and severe, posing a threat to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Urban planning strategies should prioritize green spaces and cooling infrastructure to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Flooding may also become more prevalent due to increased rainfall intensity. Properties in low-lying areas or near waterways may be particularly vulnerable. Improved drainage systems and flood management strategies are essential to minimize the impact of flooding events.

While Richmond's inland location protects it from coastal hazards, the community must focus on adapting to the increasing risks from bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding to ensure a sustainable and resilient future.

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 change risks facing Richmond?

Richmond faces increasing risks from bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding due to climate change. Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns are expected to exacerbate these hazards.

How can I prepare my home for bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your home, maintain gutters, and have a bushfire survival plan in place. Consider installing fire-resistant materials and a sprinkler system.

What can I do to stay cool during heatwaves?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I protect my property from flooding?

Elevate appliances and valuables, install flood barriers, and ensure proper drainage around your property. Consider purchasing flood insurance.

What is the ACT Government doing to address climate change?

The ACT Government has implemented a range of policies and programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and adapt to the impacts of climate change. These include investing in public transport, promoting energy efficiency, and developing climate resilience strategies.