Climate Risk in Kingston Beach, Tasmania

Kingston Beach, Tasmania· Kingborough· 7050
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Kingston Beach faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and coastal hazards. Rising sea levels and increased rainfall intensity are key drivers of these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and consider adaptation measures to protect their properties.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
6.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Kingston Beach

increasing

Flood

60/100

Kingston Beach faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Browns River and coastal areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding, impacting low-lying areas and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The bushfire risk in Kingston Beach is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires, particularly during the summer months.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures
increasing

Heat

50/100

Kingston Beach experiences a moderate risk from heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures during summer. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, are most at risk.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

60/100

Kingston Beach is exposed to coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Low-lying areas are vulnerable to inundation during storm surges, and erosion threatens coastal infrastructure and properties.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Kingston Beach

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Kingston Beach experiences a moderate risk from heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures during summer. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, are most at risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.1

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Kingston Beach faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Browns River and coastal areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding, impacting low-lying areas and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.2

Data source

coastal Risk

60/100

Kingston Beach is exposed to coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Low-lying areas are vulnerable to inundation during storm surges, and erosion threatens coastal infrastructure and properties.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The bushfire risk in Kingston Beach is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires, particularly during the summer months.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate risks

Price Impact

Potential for negative impact on property values in high-risk areas

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal hazard reports
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures
  • 3.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value
  • 4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related events

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Browns River
Elevation Range
0-30 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal and riverine flood zones identified

Historical flood events have impacted properties along the Browns River and the Kingston Beach foreshore.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland reserves
Planning Overlay
Bushfire-prone area overlay applies to some properties
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain fire breaks and have a bushfire survival plan.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in the region.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Significant exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk along the coastline

Historical Climate Events

2018
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Kingston Beach, impacting several properties.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Kingston Beach required emergency services to protect properties.

Source
2007
stormModerate

A severe storm caused coastal erosion and damage to infrastructure along the Kingston Beach foreshore.

Source
2009
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in Tasmania led to increased heat stress and health concerns in Kingston Beach.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday20302050
flood606.4(+0.4)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire404.1(+0.1)4.3(+0.3)
heat505.2(+0.2)5.7(+0.7)
coastal606.5(+0.5)7.5(+1.5)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Kingston Beach is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with coastal flooding and sea level rise being the most significant concerns.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to reduce the risk of flash flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement coastal protection measures

Near-term

Construct seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect properties and infrastructure from sea level rise and storm surges.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a community heatwave plan

Immediate

Establish a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwave events, including cooling centers and outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance bushfire preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as fuel reduction and community education programs, to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Raise awareness of climate risks

Long-term

Educate residents about the impacts of climate change and provide guidance on how to prepare for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Kingston Beach's Climate Risk Profile

Kingston Beach, a coastal suburb of Hobart, Tasmania, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying coastal areas make it particularly susceptible to sea level rise and storm surges, which can lead to inundation of properties and infrastructure.

Flooding is another significant concern, with the Browns River posing a risk of riverine flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Flash flooding can also occur in urbanized areas due to inadequate drainage capacity. The combination of coastal and riverine flooding events poses a complex challenge for the local community.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are also expected to impact Kingston Beach, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Bushfire risk is present due to the proximity of bushland areas, requiring careful management and preparedness.

Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort involving local government, residents, and businesses. Implementing adaptation measures such as improved drainage, coastal protection works, and community awareness programs is crucial to building resilience and protecting the future of Kingston Beach.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Kingston Beach?

Kingston Beach is primarily at risk from sea level rise, coastal flooding, and heatwaves. Bushfire risk is also a concern due to the proximity of bushland areas.

How will sea level rise affect Kingston Beach?

Sea level rise will increase the risk of coastal inundation during storm surges, potentially impacting properties and infrastructure in low-lying areas.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding?

Consider installing flood barriers, improving drainage around your property, and raising the elevation of vulnerable structures.

How can I prepare for a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, seek out air-conditioned spaces, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

Kingborough Council is implementing a range of sustainability initiatives, including developing a climate change adaptation plan and promoting energy efficiency.

Where can I find more information about climate risks in Kingston Beach?

You can find more information on the Kingborough 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