Climate Risk Profile: Freemantle, NSW

Freemantle, New South Wales

Medium Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Freemantle faces increasing risks from heatwaves and flooding due to climate change. While direct coastal risks are low, indirect impacts are possible. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.0

Bushfire

4.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Freemantle

increasing

Flood

60/100

Flooding may pose a risk to properties in Freemantle, particularly those located near waterways or in low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Sea level rise

increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Bushfire risk in Freemantle is moderate. While not immediately adjacent to dense bushland, the surrounding areas could pose a threat during extreme weather conditions. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could extend the bushfire season.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

70/100

Freemantle is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This can impact vulnerable populations and increase energy demand for cooling.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

increasing

Coastal

50/100

As an inland suburb, Freemantle's direct coastal risk is low. However, sea level rise and coastal erosion could have indirect impacts on the region through economic disruption and displacement of populations.

Key drivers:

·Sea level rise
·Increased storm surge

stable

Wind

28/100

Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts

stable

Storm

39/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail

stable

Social

21/100

Moderate social stability — mixed urban density

increasing

Energy

35/100

Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Freemantle

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

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Freemantle is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This can impact vulnerable populations and increase energy demand for cooling.

Primary Drivers

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

flood Risk

60/100

Flooding may pose a risk to properties in Freemantle, particularly those located near waterways or in low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Sea level rise
·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

coastal Risk

50/100

As an inland suburb, Freemantle's direct coastal risk is low. However, sea level rise and coastal erosion could have indirect impacts on the region through economic disruption and displacement of populations.

Primary Drivers

·Sea level rise
·Increased storm surge
·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bushfire risk in Freemantle is moderate. While not immediately adjacent to dense bushland, the surrounding areas could pose a threat during extreme weather conditions. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could extend the bushfire season.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions
·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Potential for moderate price impacts.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps
2.Assess bushfire risk
3.Consider energy efficiency
4.Review insurance options

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Local Creeks
Elevation Range: Variable
Flood Zone: Potentially Affected

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Within 5km
Planning Overlay: Check RFS website
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 3 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 25 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Indirect
Erosion Risk: Low

Historical Climate Events

2020

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in parts of the region.

2019

bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted areas surrounding the suburb, causing smoke haze.

2017

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected the region, with temperatures exceeding 40°C.

2015

stormMinor

A severe storm caused minor damage to property and infrastructure.

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	60	6.5(+0.5)	7.0(+1.0)
bushfire	40	4.5(+0.5)	5.0(+1.0)
heat	70	7.5(+0.5)	8.0(+1.0)
coastal	50	5.5(+0.5)	6.0(+1.0)

By 2030, Freemantle is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood, bushfire, heat, and coastal risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems and implement flood barriers to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Clear vegetation around properties and develop a bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Develop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Implement water conservation measures to reduce water demand during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

About Freemantle's Climate Risk Profile

Freemantle, NSW, is projected to experience a range of climate change impacts over the coming decades. Rising temperatures will lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing health risks to vulnerable populations and increasing energy demand for cooling. Changes in rainfall patterns are expected to increase the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas and near waterways.

While Freemantle is not directly on the coast, sea level rise and coastal erosion could have indirect impacts on the region. Displacement of populations from coastal areas could increase demand for housing and services in Freemantle. Economic disruption in coastal communities could also affect the local economy.

The bushfire risk in Freemantle is moderate. While the suburb is not immediately adjacent to dense bushland, surrounding areas could pose a threat during extreme weather conditions. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could extend the bushfire season and increase the risk of bushfires.

To mitigate these risks, residents and local authorities should take steps to adapt to climate change. This includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve building resilience to extreme weather events, and protect vulnerable populations from heatwaves and flooding. Investing in green infrastructure, such as parks and green roofs, can also help to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve air quality.

Preparing for climate change is essential to ensure the long-term sustainability and livability of Freemantle. By taking proactive steps to adapt to these changes, the community can protect its residents, economy, and environment.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW RFS · NSW Emergency Services

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Freemantle?

The main climate change risks in Freemantle are increased heatwaves, flooding, and bushfire risk. Sea level rise could also have indirect impacts on the region.

How can I prepare my home for flooding?

You can prepare your home for flooding by elevating appliances, installing flood barriers, and ensuring proper drainage.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I reduce my carbon footprint?

You can reduce your carbon footprint by using public transport, conserving energy, and reducing waste.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Freemantle?

You can find more information about climate change in Freemantle on the local council website, the NSW government website, and the CSIRO website.

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