ClimateNest
ClimateNest
PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk Profile: Uriarra, ACT

Uriarra, Australian Capital Territory· UNKNOWN
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Uriarra faces increasing risks from bushfires, heatwaves and flooding due to climate change. The suburb's proximity to bushland and the Murrumbidgee River contribute to these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.2/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

5.0/10

Uriarra is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

4.0/10

Uriarra faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Murrumbidgee River. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Uriarra is located inland and does not face any coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

6.0/10

Uriarra has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Proximity to bushland

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the elevated risks of bushfire and flooding.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value as climate change impacts become more pronounced.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire risk assessments.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Develop a bushfire survival plan.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Murrumbidgee River
Elevation Range
550-600m
Flood Zone
Potentially affected by riverine flooding

Historical flood data indicates that the Murrumbidgee River has overflowed its banks in the past, impacting low-lying areas of Uriarra.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to extensive bushland
Planning Overlay
ACT Emergency Services Agency bushfire risk map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Uriarra is designated as a bushfire-prone area, requiring residents to adhere to specific building codes and vegetation management practices.

Heat Evidence

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

The average number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades.

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 had a devastating impact on the region, including areas near Uriarra.

Source
2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused the Murrumbidgee River to flood, impacting low-lying areas of Uriarra.

Source
2019
heatwaveMajor

Record-breaking temperatures were recorded across the ACT, with Uriarra experiencing prolonged periods of extreme heat.

Source
2020
stormModerate

Severe thunderstorms caused flash flooding and property damage in parts of the ACT, including Uriarra.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood4.04.3(+0.3)4.6(+0.6)
bushfire6.06.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)
heat5.05.6(+0.6)6.2(+1.2)
coastal1.01.01.0

By 2030, Uriarra is projected to experience a noticeable increase in bushfire risk and heatwave intensity. Flooding risk will also increase slightly. Adaptation measures are needed to mitigate these impacts.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and implement a comprehensive bushfire survival plan, including clearing vegetation around properties, preparing an emergency kit, and knowing evacuation routes.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Heatwave Management

Near-term

Establish a community heatwave response plan, including identifying vulnerable residents, providing access to cooling centers, and promoting hydration and heat safety awareness.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Flood Mitigation

Long-term

Invest in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as levees and drainage improvements, to reduce the risk of flooding from the Murrumbidgee River.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Sustainable Land Management

Near-term

Implement sustainable land management practices to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and enhance the resilience of ecosystems to climate change impacts.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Uriarra's Climate Risk Profile

Uriarra, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is projected to experience significant impacts from climate change. The primary concerns are increased bushfire risk, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher chance of flooding.

The bushfire risk is elevated due to the suburb's location near extensive bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures, driven by climate change, create a more conducive environment for bushfires to ignite and spread rapidly. Residents should maintain their properties and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Heatwaves are expected to become more common and severe, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. It is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments during heatwaves, and check on neighbors.

Flooding is a concern due to the proximity of the Murrumbidgee River. Increased rainfall intensity can lead to more frequent and severe flooding events. Residents should be aware of flood warnings and have a plan in place to protect their property and ensure their safety.

While Uriarra does not face coastal risks, the overall impact of climate change necessitates proactive adaptation measures to protect the community and its assets.

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

Local Government Resources

ACT Government

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Uriarra?

The main climate change risks for Uriarra are increased bushfire risk, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher chance of flooding from the Murrumbidgee River.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

You can prepare your property for bushfires by clearing vegetation around your home, maintaining your gutters, and having a bushfire survival plan in place.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Where can I find information about flood warnings?

You can find information about flood warnings on the ACT Emergency Services Agency website and through local media outlets.

What is the ACT Government doing to address climate change?

The ACT Government has a range of policies and programs in place to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Get a Property-Specific Report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Uriarra, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Uriarra →

Analyse Your Property Now

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment covering flood, bushfire, and sea level rise and more.

Free instant preview · Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only