Climate Risk Profile: St Leonards, TAS

St Leonards, Tasmania· UNKNOWN· 7250
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

St Leonards faces a moderate climate risk, primarily from increased flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to the North Esk River makes it vulnerable to flooding, while rising temperatures pose a threat to vulnerable populations. Proactive adaptation measures are recommended to mitigate these risks.

Overall Risk Score

5.2/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
5.5
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

5.5/10

St Leonards is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This could impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.0

2050

6.5

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

St Leonards faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the North Esk River. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·River proximity
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Coastal risks are minimal in St Leonards due to its inland location. Sea level rise is not a direct threat.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Inland location

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

3.0/10

The bushfire risk in St Leonards is relatively low due to the surrounding landscape and urban development. However, drier conditions could increase the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation density
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price impacts.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review insurance options and premiums.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
North Esk River
Elevation Range
20-50 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near the river are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the North Esk River.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
500m to nearest bushland
Planning Overlay
Bushfire-prone areas are identified by the Tasmania Fire Service.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Vegetation management is crucial to reduce bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
26°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
2 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2016
floodModerate

Significant flooding along the North Esk River impacted properties in St Leonards.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in January 2013 caused heat stress and health concerns.

Source
2011
floodMinor

Minor flooding occurred along the North Esk River after heavy rainfall.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.57.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire3.03.3(+0.3)3.5(+0.5)
heat5.56.2(+0.7)6.7(+1.2)
coastal1.01.01.0

By 2030, St Leonards is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heatwave risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade flood defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect properties from flooding along the North Esk River.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement heatwave early warning system

Immediate

Develop a system to alert vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water to reduce strain on water resources during drier periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance vegetation management

Near-term

Maintain vegetation to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About St Leonards's Climate Risk Profile

St Leonards, Tasmania, is projected to experience increased climate-related challenges in the coming decades. The primary risks include flooding due to increased rainfall intensity and more frequent heatwaves.

The suburb's location near the North Esk River makes it susceptible to flooding. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flood events. This could impact residential and commercial properties, as well as infrastructure.

Rising temperatures are another significant concern. St Leonards is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, which could strain the electricity grid and pose health risks to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

While the risk of bushfires is relatively low, drier conditions could increase the risk. It is important to maintain vegetation and implement fire safety measures to mitigate this risk.

Coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location. Sea level rise is not a direct threat to St Leonards.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in St Leonards?

The main climate risks in St Leonards are flooding due to increased rainfall intensity and more frequent heatwaves.

How will climate change affect property values in St Leonards?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price impacts due to increased flood risk.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in St Leonards?

Stay hydrated, stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Where can I find information about flood risks in St Leonards?

You can find information about flood risks on the Tasmania State Emergency Service website.

Is St Leonards at risk from sea level rise?

No, St Leonards is not at risk from sea level rise due to its inland location.

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