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Climate Risk in East Devonport, TAS

East Devonport, Tasmania
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

East Devonport faces a moderate overall climate risk, primarily driven by coastal hazards and flooding. Rising sea levels and increased rainfall intensity pose significant threats to the suburb's infrastructure and property. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.2
Heat
4.1
Coastal
9.4

Climate Hazard Breakdown for East Devonport

increasing

Flood

65/100

East Devonport faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Mersey River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

32/100

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

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

41/100

East Devonport experiences moderate heat risk, with potential for heatwaves during summer months. Rising average temperatures will likely increase the frequency and intensity of heat events.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

94/100

East Devonport is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards due to its location on the coast. Sea level rise and increased storm surge pose significant threats to infrastructure and property.

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 East 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

41/100

East Devonport experiences moderate heat risk, with potential for heatwaves during summer months. Rising average temperatures will likely increase the frequency and intensity of heat events.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.6

2050

5.1

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

East Devonport faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Mersey River and low-lying areas. 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

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

94/100

East Devonport is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards due to its location on the coast. Sea level rise and increased storm surge pose significant threats to infrastructure and property.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

9.6

2050

9.8

Data source

bushfire Risk

32/100

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

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.7

2050

4.2

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 increased flood and coastal risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion risk assessments.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to sea level rise.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate projections for the area.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

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

The Mersey River has a history of flooding in the Devonport area. Recent infrastructure upgrades have aimed to mitigate some of this risk.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 1km of vegetated areas
Planning Overlay
Available from Tasmania Fire Service
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

While not as high-risk as other regions, residents should maintain their properties to reduce fuel loads.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent, particularly in the summer months. Vulnerable populations should take precautions.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk

Historical Climate Events

2016
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in the Mersey River, impacting low-lying areas of Devonport, including East Devonport.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

Bushfires in the surrounding areas caused smoke haze and increased fire danger in East Devonport.

Source
2007
stormModerate

Severe storms caused coastal erosion and damage to infrastructure in East Devonport.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

East Devonport experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding average for several days.

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)
bushfire323.7(+0.5)4.2(+1.0)
heat414.6(+0.5)5.1(+1.0)
coastal949.6(+0.2)10.2(+0.8)

By 2030, East Devonport is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heat risks. Coastal risks will also increase due to sea level rise.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Coastal Defenses

Immediate

Invest in seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against sea level rise and storm surge.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Improve Flood Management

Near-term

Implement better flood management strategies, including improved drainage and flood warning systems.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Near-term

Create a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About East Devonport's Climate Risk Profile

East Devonport, located on the coast of Tasmania, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying coastal areas are at high risk from sea level rise and increased storm surge, which could lead to inundation of properties and damage to infrastructure.

Flooding is another significant concern for East Devonport, with the Mersey River posing a risk of riverine flooding. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, is expected to exacerbate this risk, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flood events.

While the bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other parts of Tasmania, it is still a factor to consider, especially with projected increases in temperature and drier conditions. Heatwaves are also expected to become more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Adapting to these changes will require a combination of strategies, including improved coastal defenses, better flood management, and community awareness programs. Residents should stay informed about the latest climate projections and take steps to protect their properties and families.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Tasmania SES · Tasmania Fire Service · Devonport City Council

Local Government Resources

Devonport City Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for East Devonport?

The main risks are sea level rise, increased flooding, and more frequent heatwaves.

How will sea level rise affect East Devonport?

Sea level rise could inundate low-lying coastal areas, damage infrastructure, and increase coastal erosion.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The Devonport City Council is developing climate adaptation strategies and working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

How can I prepare my property for flooding?

You can raise your property, install flood barriers, and ensure your insurance covers flood damage.

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

You can find information on the Tasmanian government's Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment website and the CSIRO website.

Get your property's risk report

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