Climate Risk Assessment for Tharwa, ACT
Tharwa, ACT, faces increasing risks from flooding and bushfires due to climate change. The suburb is also expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Residents should prepare for these hazards and take steps to protect their properties.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Tharwa
Flood
Tharwa faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Murrumbidgee River. Riverine flooding can occur after periods of heavy rainfall.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Changes in river flow patterns
Bushfire
Tharwa has a high bushfire risk due to its location surrounded by bushland. Grassfires and bushfires pose a significant threat during dry periods.
Key drivers:
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
Heat
Tharwa experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Tharwa is not exposed to coastal risks.
Wind
Moderate wind risk — gusty summer winds
Storm
Moderate storm risk — spring/summer thunderstorms
Social
Moderate social stability — high public sector
Energy
Moderate energy costs — heating and cooling
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Tharwa
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
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Tharwa experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
4.5
2050
5.0
flood Risk
Tharwa faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Murrumbidgee River. Riverine flooding can occur after periods of heavy rainfall.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Changes in river flow patterns
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.5
coastal Risk
Tharwa is not exposed to coastal risks.
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
1.0
2050
1.0
bushfire Risk
Tharwa has a high bushfire risk due to its location surrounded by bushland. Grassfires and bushfires pose a significant threat during dry periods.
Primary Drivers
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Increased fuel load
- ·Higher temperatures
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increased risk of flooding and bushfires.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood and bushfire risk maps.
- 2.Review insurance coverage.
- 3.Assess property's vulnerability to climate hazards.
- 4.Develop a bushfire survival plan.
- 5.Consider flood protection measures.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Murrumbidgee River
- Elevation Range
- 620-650m
- Flood Zone
- Likely
The Murrumbidgee River has a history of flooding in the Tharwa area. Recent upgrades to flood monitoring systems will help.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Adjacent
- Planning Overlay
- ACT Emergency Services Agency Bushfire Prone Area Map
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
Tharwa is surrounded by native vegetation, increasing the risk of bushfires. Residents should maintain firebreaks and have a bushfire survival plan.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 28°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 3 days
Tharwa experiences hot summers, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 40°C. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 150 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Not Applicable
- Erosion Risk
- Not Applicable
Historical Climate Events
Climate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 65 | 7.0(+0.5) | 7.5(+1.0) |
| bushfire | 70 | 7.5(+0.5) | 8.0(+1.0) |
| heat | 40 | 4.5(+0.5) | 5.0(+1.0) |
| coastal | 10 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
By 2030, Tharwa is projected to experience a moderate increase in flood, bushfire, and heat risks under a high emissions scenario.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan
ImmediateCreate a detailed plan for evacuating your property in the event of a bushfire. Practice the plan regularly with your family.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreMaintain Firebreaks
Near-termClear vegetation around your property to create firebreaks. This will help to slow the spread of bushfires.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreInvest in Flood Protection Measures
Long-termConsider installing flood barriers or raising the foundation of your home to protect it from flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImprove Home Cooling
Near-termInstall air conditioning or fans to help keep your home cool during heatwaves. Plant trees to provide shade.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Tharwa's Climate Risk Profile
Tharwa is a small village located in the Australian Capital Territory, south of Canberra. The primary climate risks for Tharwa include flooding from the Murrumbidgee River and bushfires due to the surrounding bushland.
Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks. Increased rainfall intensity could lead to more frequent and severe flooding events. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk of bushfires.
The community should take proactive measures to mitigate these risks, including maintaining firebreaks, developing evacuation plans, and investing in flood protection measures.
Homeowners should review their insurance policies to ensure they are adequately covered for flood and bushfire damage. It is also important to stay informed about weather forecasts and emergency warnings.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACT Government
Local Government Resources
ACT Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks in Tharwa?
The main climate risks in Tharwa are flooding from the Murrumbidgee River, bushfires due to the surrounding bushland, and heatwaves.
How can I prepare for a bushfire in Tharwa?
You can prepare for a bushfire by developing a bushfire survival plan, maintaining firebreaks around your property, and staying informed about weather forecasts and emergency warnings.
What should I do during a flood in Tharwa?
During a flood, you should evacuate to higher ground if necessary. Avoid driving or walking through floodwaters. Stay informed about emergency warnings and follow the instructions of emergency services.
How is climate change affecting Tharwa?
Climate change is increasing the risk of flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves in Tharwa. Increased rainfall intensity could lead to more frequent and severe flooding events. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk of bushfires. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.
Where can I find more information about climate change in the ACT?
You can find more information about climate change in the ACT on the ACT Government's website.
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 Tharwa, use our analysis tool.
Other Suburbs in Australian Capital Territory
Check Your flood Risk Now
Check Tharwa's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.
What A$69 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections