Climate Risk Profile: Weetangera, ACT

Weetangera, Australian Capital Territory· 2614
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Weetangera is a suburb in the Australian Capital Territory that faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should take steps to prepare for these hazards.

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 Weetangera

increasing

Flood

45/100

Weetangera has a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. Some areas are more susceptible due to lower elevation and proximity to drainage lines.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Weetangera faces a notable bushfire risk due to its proximity to surrounding bushland areas. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

50/100

Weetangera is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Weetangera is not exposed to coastal risks due to its 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 Weetangera

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Weetangera is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Weetangera has a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. Some areas are more susceptible due to lower elevation and proximity to drainage lines.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Weetangera is not exposed to coastal risks due to its inland location.

Projections (N/A)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Weetangera faces a notable bushfire risk due to its proximity to surrounding bushland areas. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation

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 climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Obtain a comprehensive insurance quote.
  • 4.Consider installing mitigation measures, such as rainwater tanks and fire-resistant landscaping.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Ginninderra Creek
Elevation Range
580-620m
Flood Zone
Some areas near Ginninderra Creek are designated as flood zones.

Localized flooding can occur due to heavy rainfall and inadequate drainage in certain areas.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to Black Mountain Nature Reserve
Planning Overlay
ACTmapi Bushfire Prone Areas
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The western edge of Weetangera borders significant bushland, increasing bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in the Canberra region.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
150 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
N/A
Erosion Risk
N/A

Historical Climate Events

2003
bushfireCatastrophic

The 2003 Canberra bushfires caused widespread damage and loss of life in the region, including areas near Weetangera.

Source
2018
heatwaveModerate

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

Source
2022
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in parts of Canberra, including some areas near Weetangera.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood454.8(+0.3)5.0(+0.5)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Weetangera is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, driven primarily by more frequent and intense heatwaves and an elevated bushfire risk. Rainfall patterns are also expected to become more erratic, increasing the risk of flash flooding.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of localized flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation around homes and developing a bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Heatwave preparedness

Near-term

Develop a heatwave plan and take steps to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as providing access to cooling centers.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Water conservation

Long-term

Implement water conservation measures to reduce water demand during periods of drought and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Weetangera's Climate Risk Profile

Weetangera, located in the Belconnen district of Canberra, is a primarily residential suburb. Its location near bushland areas makes it susceptible to bushfire risk, particularly during the hot, dry summer months. Climate change projections indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, which will further elevate the bushfire risk.

Flooding is another concern for Weetangera, with potential for localised flooding from intense rainfall events. The suburb's stormwater drainage system may be challenged by increased rainfall intensity, leading to potential property damage.

Heatwaves are also a growing concern for Weetangera residents. The suburb is expected to experience more days above 35°C in the future, which can pose health risks to vulnerable populations.

While Weetangera is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased insurance costs, may still affect the suburb. Residents should stay informed about climate risks and take appropriate adaptation measures to protect their homes and families.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Weetangera?

The main climate change risks for Weetangera are increased heatwaves, bushfire risk, and localized flooding due to more intense rainfall events.

How can I prepare my home for a bushfire in Weetangera?

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

What should I do during a heatwave in Weetangera?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in a cool place, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Weetangera?

You can find information about flood risks in Weetangera on the ACT Government's City Services website, which provides flood maps and information about floodplains.

How is the ACT Government addressing climate change?

The ACT Government has a climate change strategy that outlines its plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Get your property's risk report

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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