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Climate Risk in Barwidgee, Victoria

Barwidgee, Victoria· Alpine
Medium Risk
Updated June 2026

Barwidgee faces moderate climate risks, primarily from bushfires and flooding. Heatwaves are also a growing concern. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
6.8
Heat
4.2
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Barwidgee

increasing

Flood

45/100

Barwidgee faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and nearby waterways. Local topography can exacerbate flood conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
increasing

Bushfire

68/100

The area surrounding Barwidgee is prone to bushfires due to dry vegetation and hot, windy conditions during the fire season. The risk is elevated due to proximity to bushland.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

42/100

Barwidgee experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Barwidgee is not directly exposed to coastal risks due to its inland location. Coastal hazards are not a significant concern for this suburb.

Key drivers:

  • ·N/A
stable

Wind

28/100

Moderate wind risk — cold fronts and gusty winds

stable

Storm

32/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms

stable

Social

21/100

Moderate social stability

increasing

Energy

35/100

Moderate energy costs — heating and cooling needs

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Barwidgee

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

42/100

Barwidgee experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

4.9

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Barwidgee faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and nearby waterways. Local topography can exacerbate flood conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
  • ·Aging drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.8

2050

5.2

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Barwidgee is not directly exposed to coastal risks due to its inland location. Coastal hazards are not a significant concern for this suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·N/A

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

68/100

The area surrounding Barwidgee is prone to bushfires due to dry vegetation and hot, windy conditions during the fire season. The risk is elevated due to proximity to bushland.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Stronger winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.2

2050

7.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the elevated risk of bushfires and flooding.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire overlays.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to extreme weather.
  • 3.Review insurance options and costs.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate risks when making property decisions.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
King River
Elevation Range
200-250m
Flood Zone
Low to Moderate

Historical flood data indicates localized flooding during periods of intense rainfall. Check local council website for flood maps.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Barwidgee is located in a designated bushfire-prone area. Residents should adhere to fire safety regulations and maintain a fire plan.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Average January maximum temperature is increasing. Heat stress events are becoming more frequent, particularly affecting elderly residents.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
250 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not Applicable
Erosion Risk
Not Applicable

Historical Climate Events

2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted the region surrounding Barwidgee, leading to property damage and evacuations.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Barwidgee, affecting homes and businesses.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress and health concerns for vulnerable residents in Barwidgee.

Source
2020
bushfireMinor

A small bushfire near Barwidgee was quickly contained by fire services.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood454.7(+0.2)5.0(+0.5)
bushfire687.2(+0.4)7.7(+0.9)
heat424.3(+0.1)4.6(+0.4)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Barwidgee is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with bushfire risk increasing more significantly than other hazards.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan

Immediate

Create a detailed plan for evacuating your property in the event of a bushfire, including designated meeting points and emergency supplies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve Home Insulation

Near-term

Enhance insulation to reduce energy consumption and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Invest in improved drainage systems to mitigate the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Plant Native Trees

Long-term

Plant native trees to provide shade, reduce the urban heat island effect, and enhance biodiversity.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Barwidgee's Climate Risk Profile

Barwidgee, located in Victoria, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. Changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are expected to exacerbate these hazards in the coming decades.

Bushfire risk is a significant concern due to the surrounding vegetation and increasingly dry conditions. Residents should maintain their properties and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Flooding can occur due to heavy rainfall and overflowing waterways. Improving drainage infrastructure and avoiding building in flood-prone areas are important mitigation strategies.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Ensuring access to cooling centers and promoting heat-safe practices can help reduce the impact of heatwaves. The local council is developing strategies to address climate change and build resilience in the community.

Adapting to these changes will require a collaborative effort from residents, businesses, and government. By taking proactive measures, Barwidgee can reduce its vulnerability and create a more sustainable future.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Victorian State Emergency Service · Alpine Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Alpine Shire Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Barwidgee?

The main climate risks in Barwidgee are bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the coming decades due to climate change.

How can I prepare for a bushfire in Barwidgee?

You can prepare for a bushfire by creating a bushfire survival plan, maintaining your property, and staying informed about fire danger ratings.

What should I do during a heatwave in Barwidgee?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Barwidgee?

You can find information about flood risks on the Alpine Shire Council website and the State Emergency Service website.

Is climate change going to affect property values in Barwidgee?

Climate change may affect property values in Barwidgee, particularly in areas that are highly vulnerable to bushfires or flooding. It's important to consider climate risks when making property decisions.

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Analyse a Property in Barwidgee →

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