Climate Risk Assessment: Beaconsfield, Tasmania

Beaconsfield, Tasmania· 7270
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Beaconsfield faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades, potentially impacting property values and community well-being. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and consider adaptation measures.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
5.3

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Beaconsfield

increasing

Flood

65/100

Beaconsfield faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Tamar River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Beaconsfield is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a potential threat during dry periods. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

50/100

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

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
increasing

Coastal

53/100

Located near the Tamar River estuary, Beaconsfield is susceptible to coastal inundation and erosion due to sea level rise. This could impact infrastructure and property values.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
stable

Wind

39/100

Notable wind risk — westerly wind storms

stable

Storm

28/100

Moderate storm risk — occasional severe weather

stable

Social

14/100

Lower social stability — regional isolation

increasing

Energy

32/100

Moderate energy costs — winter heating

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Beaconsfield

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minor)

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Beaconsfield faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Tamar River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

53/100

Located near the Tamar River estuary, Beaconsfield is susceptible to coastal inundation and erosion due to sea level rise. This could impact infrastructure and property values.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.8

2050

6.3

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Beaconsfield is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a potential threat during dry periods. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load accumulation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Property values in vulnerable areas may be negatively impacted.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area overlays.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to sea level rise and coastal erosion.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property values.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Tamar River
Elevation Range
5-20 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near the Tamar River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have impacted low-lying areas of Beaconsfield.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 1km of significant bushland areas.
Planning Overlay
Bushfire-prone area overlays are in effect.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Dry conditions increase the risk of bushfires spreading to residential areas.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
24.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
1.2 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Tasmania.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Coastal erosion is a concern along the Tamar River.

Historical Climate Events

2016
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in northern Tasmania, including areas near Beaconsfield, due to heavy rainfall.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

Bushfires impacted areas near Beaconsfield, causing smoke haze and posing a potential threat to properties.

Source
2009
heatwaveModerate

Tasmania experienced a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Source
2018
stormModerate

Severe storms caused damage to infrastructure and property in northern Tasmania.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.7(+0.7)
heat505.4(+0.4)5.8(+0.8)
coastal535.9(+0.6)6.5(+1.2)

By 2030, Beaconsfield is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and coastal hazards due to rising sea levels and more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk and heatwave frequency are also expected to increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Bushfire Mitigation Strategies

Near-term

Reduce fuel loads around properties and implement firebreaks to protect homes and businesses from bushfires.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plans

Near-term

Establish cooling centers and provide support to vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect Coastal Areas

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Raise Awareness and Educate the Community

Immediate

Inform residents about climate risks and adaptation measures through workshops, public forums, and online resources.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Beaconsfield's Climate Risk Profile

Beaconsfield, Tasmania, is a historic town located on the Tamar River. Its climate is temperate, but it is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising sea levels, more intense rainfall, and prolonged periods of heat are all expected to pose challenges to the community.

The risk of flooding is a significant concern for Beaconsfield, given its proximity to the Tamar River. Increased rainfall intensity could lead to more frequent and severe flood events, potentially inundating low-lying areas and damaging infrastructure. Coastal erosion is also a threat, as rising sea levels could erode shorelines and impact property values.

Bushfires are another potential hazard, particularly during dry periods. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires, posing a risk to homes and businesses located near bushland. Heatwaves are also expected to become more common, which could strain the health system and impact vulnerable populations.

Addressing these climate risks will require a coordinated effort from local government, residents, and businesses. Adaptation measures, such as improving drainage infrastructure, implementing bushfire mitigation strategies, and developing heatwave response plans, will be essential to protect the community and ensure its long-term resilience. Furthermore, reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigate the impacts of climate change and safeguard the future of Beaconsfield.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · State Emergency Service (TAS) · West Tamar Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Beaconsfield?

Beaconsfield faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards, all of which are expected to worsen with climate change.

How will sea level rise affect Beaconsfield?

Sea level rise could lead to coastal inundation, erosion, and damage to infrastructure and property in low-lying areas of Beaconsfield.

What can I do to protect my property from bushfires?

You can reduce fuel loads around your property, install firebreaks, and ensure that your home is well-maintained and fire-resistant.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Beaconsfield?

You can find flood maps and information about flood risks on the State Emergency Service (SES) website and the West Tamar Council website.

How can I prepare for a heatwave in Beaconsfield?

Stay hydrated, seek shelter in air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Is Beaconsfield a good place to invest in property considering climate change?

While Beaconsfield has many positive attributes, potential investors should carefully consider the climate risks and potential impacts on property values before making a decision.

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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