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Climate Risk Assessment for Fremantle, SA

Fremantle, South Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Fremantle, South Australia, faces increasing climate risks, particularly from heatwaves and coastal hazards. While bushfire risk is relatively low, flooding is a concern due to rainfall patterns and infrastructure.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
6.5
Coastal
7.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Fremantle

increasing

Flood

45/100

Fremantle faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is influenced by local topography and drainage infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

30/100

The bushfire risk in Fremantle is relatively low due to its location and limited surrounding vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the potential for grassfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Strong winds
increasing

Heat

65/100

Fremantle is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

70/100

Located near the coast, Fremantle is exposed to coastal erosion and sea level rise. These factors threaten infrastructure, property, and natural ecosystems.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
stable

Wind

28/100

Moderate wind risk — gusty northerly winds

stable

Storm

24/100

Moderate storm risk — occasional thunderstorms

stable

Social

21/100

Moderate social stability

increasing

Energy

35/100

Moderate energy costs — summer cooling

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Fremantle

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

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

65/100

Fremantle is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Fremantle faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is influenced by local topography and drainage infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

70/100

Located near the coast, Fremantle is exposed to coastal erosion and sea level rise. These factors threaten infrastructure, property, and natural ecosystems.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The bushfire risk in Fremantle is relatively low due to its location and limited surrounding vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the potential for grassfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Ignition sources

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increasing premiums due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Potential for decreased property values in high-risk areas.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess coastal erosion risks.
  • 3.Consider heatwave resilience measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
St Vincent Gulf
Elevation Range
0-10 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal Flood Zone

The area is susceptible to flash flooding during intense rainfall events.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5km
Planning Overlay
None
Bushfire Prone Area
No

Limited bushfire risk due to urban development.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2017
stormModerate

Severe storms caused flash flooding and property damage in the region.

Source
2019
heatwaveMajor

Record-breaking heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several consecutive days.

Source
2021
coastalMinor

High tides and storm surge caused minor coastal erosion.

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)
bushfire303.1(+0.1)3.3(+0.3)
heat657.2(+0.7)7.7(+1.2)
coastal707.4(+0.4)7.8(+0.8)

By 2030, Fremantle is projected to experience increased heatwave intensity and coastal erosion due to sea level rise. Flooding risk will also increase due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Construct seawalls and other coastal protection structures to mitigate erosion and sea level rise impacts.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water demand and mitigate the impacts of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Fremantle's Climate Risk Profile

Fremantle is a suburb in South Australia that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include rising temperatures, increased frequency of heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and erosion.

The suburb's proximity to the coast makes it particularly susceptible to the effects of sea level rise, which can lead to increased coastal erosion and inundation of low-lying areas. This poses a threat to infrastructure, property, and natural ecosystems along the coastline.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a significant risk to public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban environment can exacerbate the effects of heatwaves due to the urban heat island effect.

While the risk of bushfires is relatively low compared to other regions, dry conditions and strong winds can still create a potential for grassfires. It is important to maintain vegetation and implement fire safety measures to mitigate this risk.

Flooding is also a concern, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The existing drainage infrastructure may not be adequate to handle increased rainfall intensity, leading to stormwater runoff and potential flooding of low-lying areas.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SA Emergency Services · SA Environment

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Fremantle?

The main climate change risks in Fremantle include heatwaves, coastal erosion, sea level rise, and increased flooding.

How is the council preparing for climate change?

The council is currently developing a climate adaptation strategy to address the risks and vulnerabilities associated with climate change.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding?

You can take steps to protect your property from flooding by improving drainage, elevating structures, and purchasing flood insurance.

Where can I find information about emergency services in Fremantle?

Information about emergency services in Fremantle can be found on the South Australian government's emergency services website.

How will sea level rise affect Fremantle?

Sea level rise is expected to cause increased coastal erosion and inundation of low-lying areas in Fremantle, potentially impacting infrastructure and property.

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