Climate Risk Assessment for Coghills Creek, Victoria

Coghills Creek, Victoria· Pyrenees Shire Council· 3371
Medium Risk
Updated June 2026

Coghills Creek faces a moderate overall climate risk, primarily driven by bushfire threats and a growing concern for heatwaves. While flood risk is present due to the creek, it is generally considered stable. Property owners should be aware of increasing bushfire intensity and heatwave frequency.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
N/A

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Coghills Creek

stable

Flood

40/100

Moderate flood risk due to proximity to waterways and historical rainfall patterns.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to Coghills Creek
  • ·Average annual rainfall
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Significant bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation and historical fire events in the region.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to significant bushland
  • ·Prevailing winds
increasing

Heat

50/100

Moderate heat risk, with increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves projected.

Key drivers:

  • ·Average summer temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minor)
stable

Coastal

0/100

No direct coastal risk.

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 Coghills Creek

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Moderate heat risk, with increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves projected.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Average summer temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minor)
  • ·Projected climate change

Projections (RCP 4.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Moderate flood risk due to proximity to waterways and historical rainfall patterns.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to Coghills Creek
  • ·Average annual rainfall
  • ·Low elevation in parts of the suburb

Projections (RCP 4.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

0/100

No direct coastal risk.

Projections (N/A)

2030

0.0

2050

0.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Significant bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation and historical fire events in the region.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to significant bushland
  • ·Prevailing winds
  • ·Drought conditions

Projections (RCP 8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to bushfire risk. Flood insurance is recommended for properties near the creek.

Price Impact

Potential negative impact on resale value for properties with high bushfire risk. Increased demand for climate-resilient properties.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Review bushfire attack level (BAL) rating.
  • 2.Check proximity to Coghills Creek and potential flood zones.
  • 3.Assess property's bushfire preparedness (defensible space, building materials).
  • 4.Verify access to reliable water supply during heatwaves.
  • 5.Inquire about historical insurance claims for the property.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Coghills Creek
Elevation Range
250-350m
Flood Zone
Low to Medium risk areas adjacent to Coghills Creek

Flood risk is primarily associated with flash flooding during intense rainfall events impacting Coghills Creek.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to significant bushland reserves
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The suburb is surrounded by significant areas of native bushland, increasing the risk of bushfire encroachment.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Average January maximum temperatures are moderate, but the frequency of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
150 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
None
Erosion Risk
None

Historical Climate Events

1969
bushfireMajor

The Black Saturday bushfires impacted large areas of Victoria, including regions near Coghills Creek, causing significant destruction and loss of life.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Significant rainfall led to flooding in parts of the Pyrenees Shire, with localized impacts reported along smaller waterways like Coghills Creek.

Source
2009
heatwaveMajor

Victoria experienced a prolonged and severe heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several consecutive days, impacting public health and infrastructure.

Source
1983
bushfireCatastrophic

The Ash Wednesday bushfires devastated large parts of Victoria and South Australia, with significant losses in rural areas, including those surrounding Coghills Creek.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP 4.5

HazardToday20302050
flood404.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)
bushfire606.3(+0.3)7.0(+1.0)
heat505.4(+0.4)6.2(+1.2)
coastal00.00.0

By 2030, Coghills Creek is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, driven primarily by rising temperatures and a moderate increase in bushfire likelihood. Flood risk is expected to remain relatively stable.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a Property Bushfire Plan

Immediate

Create and maintain a detailed bushfire survival plan for your property, including clearings, defendable space, and emergency kits.

Est. cost: $100 - $500

Learn more

Improve Home Bushfire Resilience

Near-term

Upgrade building materials to be more fire-resistant, seal gaps, and install metal screens on vents to reduce ember entry.

Est. cost: $5,000 - $20,000+

Learn more

Water Management for Heatwaves

Near-term

Install rainwater tanks and ensure access to water for personal use and potential firefighting during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: $1,000 - $5,000

Learn more

Community Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Participate in local community fire preparedness groups and exercises to enhance collective resilience.

Est. cost: Volunteer time

Learn more

Flood Mitigation Measures

Long-term

For properties near Coghills Creek, consider elevating essential services and using flood-resistant landscaping.

Est. cost: $2,000 - $10,000

Learn more

About Coghills Creek's Climate Risk Profile

Coghills Creek, located in Victoria's Pyrenees Shire, presents a mixed climate risk profile for its residents. The suburb is situated in a region known for its natural beauty, which unfortunately also contributes to its bushfire vulnerability. The surrounding bushland, coupled with the typical dry Australian climate, means that bushfires are a significant and increasing threat. This risk is amplified during periods of drought and high winds, making preparedness crucial.

Flood risk, while present, is primarily associated with the Coghills Creek itself. While the suburb is not located on a major river system prone to widespread inundation, localized flooding can occur during intense rainfall events. The topography of the area, with some lower-lying sections, can exacerbate these localised flood impacts. Residents in proximity to the creek should remain aware of flood warnings and evacuation procedures.

Heatwaves are another growing concern for Coghills Creek, mirroring broader climate trends across Victoria. Average summer temperatures are projected to rise, leading to more frequent and intense periods of extreme heat. This poses risks to health, particularly for vulnerable populations, and can strain local infrastructure such as power grids. Planning for heat mitigation, such as ensuring adequate cooling and hydration, is becoming increasingly important.

While Coghills Creek is inland, it is important to note the absence of direct coastal risks such as sea-level rise or storm surges. This simplifies the risk assessment for residents compared to coastal communities. However, the focus remains firmly on terrestrial hazards like bushfire and the impacts of a warming climate on temperature extremes and rainfall patterns.

Data sources: Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) · CSIRO · Country Fire Authority (CFA) · State Emergency Service (SES) Victoria · Pyrenees Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary bushfire risk for Coghills Creek residents?

The primary bushfire risk stems from the surrounding native bushland and the potential for fires to spread into the suburb, especially during hot, dry, and windy conditions. The area is designated as bushfire-prone.

How likely is flooding in Coghills Creek?

Flooding is most likely to occur along Coghills Creek itself during periods of intense rainfall. While not prone to large-scale riverine flooding, localized flash flooding can impact properties close to the creek.

Are heatwaves a significant concern for Coghills Creek?

Yes, heatwaves are an increasing concern. Projections indicate more frequent and intense heat events, posing risks to health and well-being. It's important to have strategies for staying cool and hydrated.

What steps can I take to protect my property from bushfire?

Key steps include maintaining a clear buffer zone around your home (defensible space), upgrading building materials to fire-resistant standards, and having a well-rehearsed bushfire survival plan.

Does Coghills Creek experience coastal hazards like sea-level rise?

No, Coghills Creek is located inland and does not face any direct risks from sea-level rise, storm surges, or coastal erosion.

Where can I find official flood information for my property in Coghills Creek?

You can consult the Pyrenees Shire Council's website for their flood information and maps, or contact the council directly for property-specific advice.

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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