Climate Risk Assessment for Moonah, Tasmania
Moonah faces a moderate climate risk, primarily driven by increasing flood, heat, and coastal hazards. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity pose significant threats. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Moonah
Flood
Moonah faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Derwent River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Bushfire risk in Moonah is relatively low compared to other parts of Tasmania, but some areas near bushland are still vulnerable. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Moonah experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
As a suburb near the Derwent River estuary, Moonah is exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges. These factors can lead to increased flooding and erosion.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
Wind
Notable wind risk — westerly wind storms
Storm
Moderate storm risk — occasional severe weather
Social
Lower social stability — regional isolation
Energy
Moderate energy costs — winter heating
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Moonah
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Moonah experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
5.5
2050
6.0
flood Risk
Moonah faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Derwent River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.5
2050
7.0
coastal Risk
As a suburb near the Derwent River estuary, Moonah is exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges. These factors can lead to increased flooding and erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
- ·Erosion
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk in Moonah is relatively low compared to other parts of Tasmania, but some areas near bushland are still vulnerable. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Vegetation dryness
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
4.5
2050
5.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased climate risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area overlays.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to sea level rise.
- 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential increases.
- 4.Develop an emergency plan for extreme weather events.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Derwent River
- Elevation Range
- 5-20 meters
- Flood Zone
- Areas near the Derwent River are prone to flooding.
Historical flood events have impacted properties along the river. Council flood maps provide detailed information on flood risk areas.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Some areas border reserves with moderate bushfire risk.
- Planning Overlay
- Check the Tasmania Fire Service website for current bushfire prone area overlays.
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
While not a high-risk area, residents should maintain their properties and be aware of fire safety during dry periods.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 22.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 2 days
Average January maximum temperatures are expected to increase in the coming decades. Vulnerable populations should take precautions during heatwaves.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 1 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Low-lying areas are exposed to sea level rise.
- Erosion Risk
- Some coastal areas are at risk of erosion.
Historical Climate Events
Significant flooding occurred in the Derwent River, impacting low-lying areas of Moonah.
SourceThe 1967 Tasmanian bushfires impacted areas near Moonah, causing significant damage.
SourceTasmania experienced a prolonged heatwave, impacting vulnerable populations in Moonah.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 60 | 6.5(+0.5) | 7.0(+1.0) |
| bushfire | 40 | 4.2(+0.2) | 4.5(+0.5) |
| heat | 50 | 5.4(+0.4) | 5.8(+0.8) |
| coastal | 70 | 7.6(+0.6) | 8.5(+1.5) |
Under a moderate emissions scenario, Moonah is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and coastal hazards.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Upgrade Flood Defenses
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to protect against increased flooding, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop Heat Action Plans
ImmediateImplement heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreStrengthen Coastal Protection
Long-termImplement measures to protect against coastal erosion and inundation, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImprove Building Codes
Near-termUpdate building codes to ensure new construction is resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Moonah's Climate Risk Profile
Moonah, located near the Derwent River in Tasmania, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding, heatwaves, and coastal inundation. Rising sea levels and more intense rainfall events are expected to exacerbate flooding, particularly in low-lying areas.
Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify these risks in densely built areas.
Coastal hazards, including storm surges and erosion, are also a concern for Moonah. Sea level rise is projected to increase the frequency and severity of coastal flooding, potentially damaging infrastructure and property.
Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of adaptation and mitigation strategies. This includes investing in flood defenses, improving urban planning to reduce the urban heat island effect, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow the pace of climate change.
Residents and businesses in Moonah should take steps to prepare for the impacts of climate change, such as developing emergency plans, investing in property-level flood protection, and conserving water and energy.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Tasmania Fire Service · Tasmania State Emergency Service · Glenorchy City Council
Local Government Resources
Glenorchy City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Moonah?
The main climate change risks in Moonah are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal inundation due to sea level rise.
How is the council preparing for climate change?
The Glenorchy City Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to address these risks.
What can I do to protect my property from flooding?
You can install flood barriers, elevate appliances, and ensure proper drainage around your property.
How can I stay safe during a heatwave?
Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
Where can I find more information about climate change in Tasmania?
You can find more information on the Tasmanian government's Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment website and the CSIRO website.
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