Climate Risk in Waramanga, ACT

Waramanga, Australian Capital Territory· 2611
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Waramanga faces increasing risks from bushfires and heatwaves due to climate change. Flooding is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Waramanga

increasing

Flood

40/100

Waramanga faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. The area's topography and existing drainage infrastructure contribute to this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Waramanga has a notable risk of bushfire due to its proximity to surrounding bushland areas. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

60/100

Waramanga is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Waramanga is located inland and does not face any direct 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 Waramanga

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Waramanga is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced nighttime cooling

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Waramanga faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. The area's topography and existing drainage infrastructure contribute to this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Aging infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Waramanga is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Waramanga has a notable risk of bushfire due to its proximity to surrounding bushland areas. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire risk assessments.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Molonglo River
Elevation Range
580-620m
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to stormwater channels

Localised flooding can occur during heavy rainfall events, particularly in low-lying areas.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to Stromlo Forest Park
Planning Overlay
ACT Emergency Services Agency Bushfire Risk Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties bordering Stromlo Forest Park are at higher risk.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Canberra.

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

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

Source
2022
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localised flooding in parts of Canberra, including areas near Waramanga.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.3(+0.3)4.6(+0.6)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)
heat606.6(+0.6)7.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Waramanga is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in bushfire and heatwave risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve bushfire preparedness

Immediate

Clear vegetation around properties, develop a bushfire survival plan, and install fire-resistant building materials.

Est. cost: Low to Medium

Learn more

Enhance heatwave resilience

Near-term

Install air conditioning or evaporative cooling, improve home insulation, and develop a heatwave action plan.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure

Long-term

Invest in improved drainage systems to reduce the risk of localised flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Near-term

Implement water-saving measures in homes and gardens to reduce water demand during periods of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Waramanga's Climate Risk Profile

Waramanga, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is projected to experience a range of climate change impacts over the coming decades. The most significant risks include increased bushfire danger, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher likelihood of flooding events.

The risk of bushfires is expected to increase due to hotter, drier conditions and prolonged periods of drought. This poses a threat to properties located near bushland areas, and residents should take steps to prepare their homes and families for potential bushfire emergencies.

Heatwaves are also projected to become more common and severe, which can have significant impacts on human health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Residents should take precautions to stay cool during heatwaves, such as drinking plenty of water, seeking air-conditioned environments, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Flooding is another concern for Waramanga, as intense rainfall events can overwhelm drainage systems and cause localised flooding. Residents should be aware of the flood risk in their area and take steps to protect their properties, such as clearing gutters and downpipes and having an emergency plan in place.

While Waramanga does not face any direct coastal risks, the broader impacts of climate change, such as sea level rise and extreme weather events, can still have indirect effects on the community. It is important for residents to stay informed about climate change and take action to reduce their carbon footprint and build resilience to the impacts of a changing climate.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Waramanga?

The main climate change risks in Waramanga are increased bushfire danger, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher likelihood of flooding events.

How can I prepare my home for bushfires?

You can prepare your home for bushfires by clearing vegetation around your property, developing a bushfire survival plan, and installing fire-resistant building materials.

What can I do to stay cool during heatwaves?

You can stay cool during heatwaves by drinking plenty of water, seeking air-conditioned environments, and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Waramanga?

You can find information about flood risks in Waramanga on the ACT Government's Environment website, which includes flood maps and other resources.

What is the ACT Government doing to address climate change?

The ACT Government has a comprehensive climate change strategy that includes targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, promoting renewable energy, and building resilience to the impacts of climate change.

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What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections