Climate Risk Profile: Buckland, VIC

Buckland, Victoria· Alpine· 3741
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Buckland faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

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 Buckland

increasing

Flood

65/100

Buckland faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to rivers and creeks. Heavy rainfall events can lead to localized flooding.

Key drivers:

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

Bushfire

40/100

The area around Buckland has a moderate bushfire risk due to the surrounding forests and dry vegetation. Hot, dry summers increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot summers
increasing

Heat

50/100

Buckland is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Buckland is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

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 Buckland

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Buckland is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Buckland faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to rivers and creeks. Heavy rainfall events can lead to localized flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Buckland is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The area around Buckland has a moderate bushfire risk due to the surrounding forests and dry vegetation. Hot, dry summers increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot summers

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

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

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's bushfire risk.
  • 3.Ensure the property is adequately insured.
  • 4.Consider the property's energy efficiency.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Buckland River
Elevation Range
200-300m
Flood Zone
Areas near the Buckland River are prone to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that the Buckland River has a history of overflowing during periods of heavy rainfall.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to state forest
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Management Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is designated as a bushfire-prone area due to the high density of vegetation and historical fire activity.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The average maximum temperature in January is increasing, leading to more frequent and intense heat stress events.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused the Buckland River to flood, affecting low-lying areas.

Source
2009
bushfireMajor

The Black Saturday bushfires impacted the region, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on emergency services.

Source
2022
floodModerate

Significant flooding event impacted the region, causing road closures and property damage.

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)
heat505.8(+0.8)6.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Buckland is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and flooding events. Bushfire risk is also expected to increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve flood defenses

Near-term

Construct levees and improve drainage systems to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement bushfire management strategies

Near-term

Conduct fuel reduction burns and create firebreaks to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a heatwave response plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers and provide support to vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Implement water restrictions and encourage residents to use water efficiently.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade building codes

Long-term

Incorporate climate resilience measures into building codes to ensure new buildings are better able to withstand extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Buckland's Climate Risk Profile

Buckland, Victoria, is a rural community that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding from increased rainfall intensity, bushfires due to hotter and drier conditions, and heatwaves that can impact public health.

The area's proximity to rivers and creeks makes it susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall events. Changes in land use and development can also exacerbate flood risks by increasing runoff.

The surrounding forests and dry vegetation contribute to a moderate bushfire risk, particularly during the hot, dry summer months. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires in the region.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify the impacts of heatwaves in built-up areas.

While Buckland is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, can still affect the community.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Buckland?

Buckland is primarily at risk from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare my property for flooding?

You can prepare your property by elevating appliances, installing flood barriers, and ensuring your property is adequately insured.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

How can I reduce my bushfire risk?

You can reduce your bushfire risk by clearing vegetation around your property, maintaining firebreaks, and having a bushfire survival plan.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Buckland?

You can find more information about climate change in Buckland on the Alpine Shire Council website and the Victorian State Emergency Service website.

Is Buckland a good place to invest in property considering climate change?

While Buckland offers a beautiful rural lifestyle, potential investors should carefully consider the increasing risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Assess the specific location's vulnerability and factor in potential insurance costs and adaptation measures.

Get your property's risk report

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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