Climate Risk Profile: Hamilton, TAS

Hamilton, Tasmania· 7140

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Hamilton, Tasmania, faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Bushfire risk is also present. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.

Overall Risk Score

55/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.0

Bushfire

4.0

Heat

6.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Hamilton

increasing

Flood

60/100

Hamilton is located near the Clyde River and is susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas and properties close to the riverbanks.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Riverine overflow

increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The area surrounding Hamilton has some bushland, posing a moderate bushfire risk. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires affecting the community.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·Increased temperatures

increasing

Heat

60/100

Hamilton experiences moderately high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, are at higher risk during extreme heat events.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·More frequent heatwaves

stable

Coastal

10/100

Hamilton is not located near the coast, so the risk of coastal hazards such as sea-level rise and coastal erosion is very low.

Key drivers:

·Distance from coast

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 Hamilton

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

60/100

Primary Drivers

·Rising average temperatures
·More frequent heatwaves
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Hamilton is located near the Clyde River and is susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas and properties close to the riverbanks.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Riverine overflow
·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Hamilton is not located near the coast, so the risk of coastal hazards such as sea-level rise and coastal erosion is very low.

Primary Drivers

·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The area surrounding Hamilton has some bushland, posing a moderate bushfire risk. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires affecting the community.

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·Increased temperatures
·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
2.Assess bushfire risk and vegetation management.
3.Inquire about heatwave preparedness plans.
4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related risks.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Clyde River
Elevation Range: Varies, low-lying areas near the river
Flood Zone: Areas near the Clyde River are prone to flooding

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent to some areas
Planning Overlay: Check with Tasmania Fire Service for current overlays
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 25°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 2 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 70 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2016

floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in the Clyde River, impacting low-lying areas of Hamilton.

Source

2013

bushfireMinor

Bushfires near Hamilton caused some concern, but no major damage was reported.

Source

2009

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Tasmania, including Hamilton, leading to increased heat stress.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	60	6.5(+0.5)	7.0(+1.0)
bushfire	40	4.3(+0.3)	4.5(+0.5)
heat	60	6.7(+0.7)	7.5(+1.5)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Hamilton is projected to experience an increase in flood and heatwave risks due to climate change.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and build flood levees to protect properties from riverine flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Vegetation Management

Near-term

Implement vegetation management programs to reduce bushfire risk in surrounding areas.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and implement heatwave preparedness plans to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Conduct community awareness programs to educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Hamilton's Climate Risk Profile

Hamilton, located in Tasmania, is exposed to several climate-related risks. The most significant threat is flooding due to its proximity to the Clyde River. Heavy rainfall events can cause the river to overflow, inundating low-lying areas and posing a risk to properties and infrastructure.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, particularly during the dry summer months. The surrounding bushland can become highly flammable, and strong winds can quickly spread fires, threatening the community. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, increasing the risk of heat stress and related health issues, especially for vulnerable populations.

While Hamilton is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as changes in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures, can still affect the region. Adapting to these changes is crucial to ensure the long-term resilience and sustainability of the community.

Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mitigation efforts focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down the rate of climate change, while adaptation measures aim to minimize the impacts of climate change that are already occurring or are expected to occur in the future. These strategies include improving flood defenses, managing vegetation to reduce bushfire risk, and implementing heatwave preparedness plans.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Tasmania SES · Tasmania Fire Service

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Hamilton?

The main climate risks in Hamilton are flooding from the Clyde River, bushfire risk from surrounding bushland, and heatwaves during summer.

How can I prepare for a flood in Hamilton?

You can prepare for a flood by checking flood maps, having an emergency plan, and ensuring your property is adequately insured.

What should I do during a heatwave in Hamilton?

During a heatwave, stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Is my property at risk from bushfires in Hamilton?

Check with the Tasmania Fire Service to determine if your property is in a bushfire-prone area and take steps to manage vegetation around your home.

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

You can find more information about climate change in Tasmania on the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) website and the CSIRO website.