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Climate Risk in Devonport, Tasmania

Devonport, Tasmania
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Devonport faces a moderate climate risk, primarily driven by coastal hazards and flooding. Rising sea levels and increased rainfall intensity pose significant threats to the region. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and potential impacts on property and infrastructure.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
4.5
Coastal
7.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Devonport

increasing

Flood

65/100

Devonport faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Mersey River and coastal location. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

30/100

Bushfire risk in Devonport is relatively low compared to other regions in Tasmania, but still present due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and increased temperatures could elevate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

45/100

Devonport is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
increasing

Coastal

70/100

Devonport is highly vulnerable to coastal inundation and erosion due to sea level rise. Low-lying areas are particularly at risk, potentially impacting infrastructure and property.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
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 Devonport

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

45/100

Devonport is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minor)

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.8

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Devonport faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Mersey River and coastal location. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Riverine flooding

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.8

Data source

coastal Risk

70/100

Devonport is highly vulnerable to coastal inundation and erosion due to sea level rise. Low-lying areas are particularly at risk, potentially impacting infrastructure and property.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.2

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Bushfire risk in Devonport is relatively low compared to other regions in Tasmania, but still present due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and increased temperatures could elevate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation density

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in areas prone to flooding and coastal inundation.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal inundation zones.
  • 2.Assess the property's elevation and drainage.
  • 3.Inquire about past flood or coastal erosion events.
  • 4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.
  • 5.Consider the long-term climate risks to the property.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Mersey River
Elevation Range
0-50 meters
Flood Zone
Areas along the Mersey River and low-lying coastal regions are prone to flooding.

Historical flood events have impacted Devonport, highlighting the need for ongoing flood mitigation efforts. The council has implemented some flood management strategies, but further investment is needed to address future risks.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 5km of significant bushland areas.
Planning Overlay
Some areas have bushfire management overlays.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

While not as high-risk as other regions, residents should maintain awareness of bushfire safety during dry periods. Regular property maintenance and awareness of fire danger ratings are important.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
22.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
1.2 days

Devonport experiences relatively mild summers, but heatwaves can still pose a risk to vulnerable populations. Planning for cooler spaces and community support networks is important.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying coastal areas are exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Some coastal areas are experiencing erosion.

Historical Climate Events

2016
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in Devonport due to heavy rainfall, causing damage to properties and infrastructure.

Source
2018
stormMinor

A severe storm caused minor damage to coastal areas and power outages in Devonport.

Source
2020
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall led to localized flooding in low-lying areas of Devonport.

Source
2022
coastalMinor

High tides and storm surges caused minor coastal erosion in some areas of Devonport.

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)
bushfire303.3(+0.3)3.5(+0.5)
heat454.9(+0.4)5.3(+0.8)
coastal707.6(+0.6)8.3(+1.3)

By 2030, Devonport is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk. Coastal inundation and flooding are expected to become more frequent and severe. Heatwaves will also become more common, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in upgrading flood defenses, such as levees and drainage systems, to protect properties and infrastructure from increased flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Coastal Protection Measures

Near-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

Heatwave Preparedness Plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave preparedness plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events. This includes establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Risk Mitigation

Long-term

Implement bushfire risk mitigation measures, such as vegetation management and community education programs, to reduce the risk of bushfires in surrounding areas.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

Long-term

Ensure that all new infrastructure projects are designed to be climate-resilient, taking into account the projected impacts of climate change.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Devonport's Climate Risk Profile

Devonport, located on the north coast of Tasmania, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its coastal location and proximity to the Mersey River. Sea level rise poses a significant threat, increasing the risk of coastal inundation and erosion, especially in low-lying areas. This could impact residential properties, infrastructure, and local ecosystems.

Increased rainfall intensity is expected to exacerbate the risk of riverine and flash flooding. The Mersey River, which flows through Devonport, could overflow its banks more frequently, causing damage to properties and disrupting transportation networks. Effective flood management strategies are crucial to mitigate these risks.

While bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other parts of Tasmania, drier conditions and increased temperatures could elevate the risk in areas surrounding Devonport. It's important to maintain awareness and preparedness for potential bushfire events, especially during the summer months.

Heatwaves are also projected to become more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Implementing heat mitigation strategies, such as urban greening and public awareness campaigns, can help reduce the impact of extreme heat events. Overall, Devonport needs to proactively adapt to the changing climate to protect its community and environment.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SES Tasmania · DPiPWE Tasmania · Devonport City Council

Local Government Resources

Devonport City Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Devonport?

The main climate change risks in Devonport are coastal inundation, flooding, and heatwaves. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity are expected to exacerbate these risks.

How is the Devonport City Council addressing climate change?

The Devonport City Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. This includes upgrading flood defenses and implementing coastal protection measures.

What can I do to prepare for climate change in Devonport?

You can prepare for climate change by checking flood maps, assessing your property's risk, and developing a personal emergency plan. Stay informed about weather warnings and follow the advice of emergency services.

Will climate change affect property values in Devonport?

Climate change may affect property values in high-risk areas, particularly those prone to flooding and coastal inundation. It's important to consider the long-term climate risks when buying or selling property.

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

You can find more information about climate change in Devonport on the Devonport City Council website, the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Is Devonport likely to experience more bushfires due to climate change?

While Devonport is not considered a high bushfire risk area, drier conditions and increased temperatures could elevate the risk in surrounding areas. It's important to stay informed and prepared, especially during the summer months.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Devonport, use our analysis tool.

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30-120%
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*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

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