Climate Risk in Dover, TAS

Dover, Tasmania· Huon Valley· 7117
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Dover, TAS, faces a moderate overall climate risk. The primary concerns are coastal hazards and bushfire risk, both of which are expected to increase with climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
3.0
Coastal
8.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Dover

increasing

Flood

40/100

Dover faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and riverine overflow. The risk is expected to increase with climate change due to more intense rainfall events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Dover has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate the risk. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

30/100

Dover experiences a low to moderate risk of heatwaves. While not as extreme as other parts of Australia, heatwaves can still pose a risk to vulnerable populations. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
increasing

Coastal

80/100

Dover faces a high risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Its low-lying coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Coastal erosion
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 Dover

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

30/100

Dover experiences a low to moderate risk of heatwaves. While not as extreme as other parts of Australia, heatwaves can still pose a risk to vulnerable populations. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.5

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Dover faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and riverine overflow. The risk is expected to increase with climate change due to more intense rainfall events.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

80/100

Dover faces a high risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Its low-lying coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.5

2050

9.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Dover has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate the risk. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be negatively impacted by climate risks, particularly coastal properties.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal hazards.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the long-term climate risks when making a purchase decision.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Esperance River
Elevation Range
0-20 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal and Riverine Flood Zones

Dover has experienced several minor flooding events in recent years due to heavy rainfall.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to town
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area surrounding Dover is designated as a high bushfire risk zone.

Heat Evidence

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

Dover experiences relatively mild summers, but heatwaves are becoming more frequent.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2013
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Dover caused property damage and evacuations.

Source
2018
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Dover.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

A heatwave in Tasmania caused health concerns, particularly for vulnerable populations in Dover.

Source
2022
coastalMinor

Storm surge caused minor coastal erosion in Dover.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.3(+0.3)4.8(+0.8)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)7.0(+1.0)
heat303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
coastal808.6(+0.6)9.2(+1.2)

By 2030, Dover is projected to experience increased coastal flooding and bushfire risk due to climate change. Heatwaves will become more frequent, and overall climate risk will increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Coastal Protection Measures

Immediate

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Mitigation

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as fuel reduction burns and vegetation management, to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Improved Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Awareness and Preparedness

Long-term

Raise community awareness about climate risks and promote preparedness measures, such as emergency planning and evacuation procedures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Dover's Climate Risk Profile

Dover, located in Tasmania, is a coastal town that faces several climate-related risks. The most significant threat is coastal inundation and erosion due to sea level rise. The town's low-lying geography makes it particularly vulnerable to these impacts.

Bushfire risk is also a major concern for Dover. The surrounding bushland creates a high fire hazard, especially during the dry summer months. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires in the region, posing a greater threat to life and property.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Tasmania, including Dover. While not as extreme as in other parts of Australia, heatwaves can still pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Flooding is another risk factor for Dover, particularly from heavy rainfall events. The town's drainage infrastructure may be inadequate to handle increased rainfall intensity, leading to localized flooding. Riverine flooding from the nearby Esperance River is also a concern.

Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach, including adaptation measures such as coastal protection, bushfire mitigation, and improved drainage infrastructure. Community awareness and preparedness are also crucial for reducing the impacts of climate change in Dover.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Tasmanian State Emergency Service · Huon Valley Council · Tasmanian Fire Service · Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Dover?

Dover faces several climate risks, including coastal inundation, bushfire risk, heatwaves, and flooding. Sea level rise poses a significant threat to coastal properties, while bushfires can cause property damage and evacuations. Heatwaves can impact vulnerable populations, and heavy rainfall can lead to localized flooding.

How is climate change expected to impact Dover in the future?

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events in Dover. Sea level rise will exacerbate coastal flooding and erosion, while bushfire risk will continue to increase. Heatwaves will become more severe, and overall climate risk will be substantially higher.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change in Dover?

Residents can take several steps to prepare for climate change, including developing emergency plans, clearing vegetation around their homes, and purchasing flood insurance. It is also important to stay informed about climate risks and follow the advice of local authorities.

What is the local council doing to address climate change in Dover?

The Huon Valley Council is implementing various measures to address climate change, including coastal protection, bushfire mitigation, and improved drainage infrastructure. The council is also working to raise community awareness about climate risks and promote preparedness measures.

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

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

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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