Climate Risk Assessment for Longford, TAS

Longford, Tasmania
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Longford faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and increasing heat. Bushfire risk is also a consideration. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Longford

increasing

Flood

65/100

Longford faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Macquarie River. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine overflow
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Longford is moderate, with surrounding grasslands and bushland posing a potential threat during dry periods.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures
increasing

Heat

50/100

Longford experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures potentially leading to more frequent heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal in Longford due to its inland location.

Key drivers:

  • ·Not applicable
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 Longford

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Longford experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures potentially leading to more frequent heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Longford faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Macquarie River. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine overflow

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal in Longford due to its inland location.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Not applicable

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Longford is moderate, with surrounding grasslands and bushland posing a potential threat during dry periods.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in flood-prone areas.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk flood zones may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades to reduce heat stress.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Macquarie River
Elevation Range
120-140m
Flood Zone
Areas near the Macquarie River are prone to flooding.

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the river.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 1km of bushland areas
Planning Overlay
Bushfire-prone area overlay applies.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain firebreaks and clear vegetation around properties.

Heat Evidence

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

Elderly and vulnerable residents are at higher risk during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2016
floodModerate

Significant flooding along the Macquarie River impacted Longford, inundating low-lying areas and causing property damage.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Longford caused minor property damage and required emergency response.

Source
2009
heatwaveModerate

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

Source
2000
floodModerate

Flooding along the Macquarie River caused damage to infrastructure and agricultural land.

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)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)
heat505.3(+0.3)5.7(+0.7)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Longford is projected to experience a moderate increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Heat risk will also increase, with more frequent heatwaves. Bushfire risk will see a slight increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in improved flood defenses, such as levees and drainage systems, to protect properties and infrastructure from riverine flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Bushfire Mitigation Measures

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

Develop a heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable residents during periods of extreme heat, including establishing cooling centers and providing public health advice.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Promote water conservation measures to reduce water demand and ensure water security during periods of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Longford's Climate Risk Profile

Longford, Tasmania, is situated inland and faces a combination of climate-related challenges. The primary concern is the increasing risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Macquarie River. Climate change projections indicate more intense rainfall events, which could exacerbate riverine flooding, impacting low-lying areas and infrastructure.

Bushfire risk is moderate, with surrounding grasslands and bushland posing a threat during dry periods. While not as immediate a concern as flooding, proactive measures are still necessary to mitigate potential fire hazards. Rising average temperatures are also contributing to increased heat risk, with the potential for more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Coastal risks are minimal due to Longford's inland location. However, the broader regional impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to agriculture and tourism, could indirectly affect the community.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including improved flood management infrastructure, bushfire mitigation strategies, and community awareness programs. Adaptation measures are crucial to ensure Longford remains a resilient and sustainable community in the face of a changing climate.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Tasmania Fire Service · State Emergency Service Tasmania

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Longford?

The main climate risks facing Longford are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Flooding is a particular concern due to the proximity of the Macquarie River.

How is the council preparing for climate change?

The Northern Midlands Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to address the risks of climate change, including flood mitigation and bushfire management.

What can residents do to prepare for flooding?

Residents can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, having an emergency plan, and ensuring their property is adequately insured.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, stay cool, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about bushfire safety?

More information about bushfire safety can be found on the Tasmania Fire Service 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