Climate Risk in Fremantle, Tasmania

Fremantle, Tasmania
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Fremantle, Tasmania, faces moderate climate risks, particularly from coastal hazards and flooding. Rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns are expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and consider adaptation measures to protect their properties.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
7.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Fremantle

increasing

Flood

60/100

Fremantle faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially exacerbating flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Fremantle is relatively low compared to other regions in Tasmania, but it's not negligible. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

50/100

Fremantle 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:

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

70/100

As a coastal suburb, Fremantle is vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion. This could lead to inundation of low-lying areas and damage to infrastructure.

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 Fremantle

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Fremantle 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

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Fremantle faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially exacerbating flood events.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

70/100

As a coastal suburb, Fremantle is vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion. This could lead to inundation of low-lying areas and damage to infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Fremantle is relatively low compared to other regions in Tasmania, but it's not negligible. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increasing premiums due to flood and coastal risks.

Price Impact

Potential for decreased property values in high-risk areas.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's elevation and drainage.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Derwent River
Elevation Range
0-20 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal Flood Zone

Fremantle's low elevation makes it susceptible to coastal and riverine flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5km
Planning Overlay
UNKNOWN
Bushfire Prone Area
No

While not immediately adjacent to dense bushland, prevailing winds could carry embers from distant fires.

Heat Evidence

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

Average January maximum temperature is expected to increase by 1-2 degrees Celsius by 2050.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2018
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas of Fremantle.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A small bushfire occurred near Fremantle, but it was quickly contained.

Source
2009
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Tasmania, including Fremantle, leading to heat stress in vulnerable populations.

Source
2022
coastalMinor

High tides and storm surge caused minor coastal erosion in Fremantle.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)
heat505.3(+0.3)5.6(+0.6)
coastal707.7(+0.7)8.2(+1.2)

By 2030, Fremantle is projected to experience a noticeable increase in coastal flooding and heatwave frequency. Rainfall intensity is also expected to increase, leading to more frequent flooding events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Invest in improved drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Protect Coastal Areas

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plans

Near-term

Create and implement heatwave response plans to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Raise Building Standards

Long-term

Update building codes to require new construction to be more resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Near-term

Educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures through community awareness programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Fremantle's Climate Risk Profile

Fremantle, located in Tasmania, is a suburb that will be increasingly affected by climate change. The primary risks include coastal inundation due to sea level rise, increased flooding from more intense rainfall events, and the potential for more frequent and severe heatwaves. While bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other regions, it is still a concern that could increase with drier conditions.

The coastal location of Fremantle makes it particularly vulnerable to sea level rise. Low-lying areas are at risk of permanent inundation, and storm surges could cause significant damage to infrastructure and property. The increasing intensity of rainfall events is also a major concern, as it could overwhelm existing drainage systems and lead to widespread flooding.

Rising temperatures will likely lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. It is crucial for residents to take precautions during these events, such as staying hydrated and seeking shelter in air-conditioned environments. The changing climate may also impact local ecosystems and biodiversity.

To mitigate these risks, it is essential for the community to implement adaptation measures. This includes investing in improved drainage infrastructure, protecting coastal areas with seawalls or other barriers, and developing heatwave response plans. Individual property owners can also take steps to reduce their vulnerability, such as raising the elevation of their homes and installing flood-resistant materials.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Fremantle?

The main climate change risks in Fremantle include coastal inundation due to sea level rise, increased flooding from more intense rainfall events, and more frequent and severe heatwaves.

How will sea level rise affect Fremantle?

Sea level rise is projected to inundate low-lying coastal areas of Fremantle, potentially damaging infrastructure and property. It will also increase the risk of storm surges.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding?

You can take several steps to protect your property from flooding, such as raising the elevation of your home, installing flood-resistant materials, and improving drainage around your property.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Fremantle?

To prepare for heatwaves, stay hydrated, seek shelter in air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Is Fremantle prone to bushfires?

While the risk of bushfires in Fremantle is relatively low compared to other regions, it is still a concern. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Fremantle?

You can find more information about climate change risks in Fremantle from the local council, state government agencies, and scientific organizations such as the CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.

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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