Dalyston Climate Risk Profile

Dalyston, Victoria· Bass Coast Shire Council· 3984
Medium Risk
Updated June 2026

Dalyston, Victoria, faces a medium overall climate risk, with bushfire posing the most significant threat due to its location in a prone area. Flood risk is moderate, driven by intense rainfall, while heatwaves are also a growing concern. Coastal risks are negligible.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.5
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Dalyston

increasing

Flood

40/100

Dalyston has a moderate flood risk, primarily associated with localised heavy rainfall events and potential overland flow paths. While not directly on a major river, the topography can channel water.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased intensity of rainfall events
  • ·Urbanisation and increased impervious surfaces
increasing

Bushfire

65/100

Dalyston is situated in a bushfire-prone area, with significant vegetation surrounding the township. The risk is influenced by fuel loads, weather conditions, and proximity to grasslands and forests.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation conditions
increasing

Heat

50/100

The region experiences hot summers, and Dalyston is susceptible to heatwaves. Factors contributing to heat risk include average maximum temperatures and the potential for prolonged periods of extreme heat.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of extreme heat days
stable

Coastal

10/100

Dalyston is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal erosion or inundation risks from sea-level rise.

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 Dalyston

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

The region experiences hot summers, and Dalyston is susceptible to heatwaves. Factors contributing to heat risk include average maximum temperatures and the potential for prolonged periods of extreme heat.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of extreme heat days
  • ·Urban heat island effect (though less pronounced in smaller towns)

Projections (RCP 8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Dalyston has a moderate flood risk, primarily associated with localised heavy rainfall events and potential overland flow paths. While not directly on a major river, the topography can channel water.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased intensity of rainfall events
  • ·Urbanisation and increased impervious surfaces
  • ·Changes in land use upstream

Projections (RCP 4.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Dalyston is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal erosion or inundation risks from sea-level rise.

Projections (RCP 4.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

65/100

Dalyston is situated in a bushfire-prone area, with significant vegetation surrounding the township. The risk is influenced by fuel loads, weather conditions, and proximity to grasslands and forests.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation conditions
  • ·Expansion of urban interface into bushland

Projections (Worst Case Scenario)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increasing premiums and potential for higher excess due to bushfire and flood risks.

Price Impact

Potential for negative impact on property values in high-risk zones, particularly for properties with inadequate mitigation measures.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Review current and future flood risk maps.
  • 2.Assess bushfire attack level (BAL) rating and property defensibility.
  • 3.Check proximity to vegetation and potential fuel sources.
  • 4.Investigate local emergency services and evacuation plans.
  • 5.Understand insurance availability and cost implications.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Various small creeks and drainage lines
Elevation Range
Approximately 50-100m above sea level
Flood Zone
Areas identified with potential for overland flow and localised flooding

The flood risk is primarily associated with localised heavy rainfall events and the capacity of local drainage systems rather than major riverine flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to significant bushland and grassland areas
Planning Overlay
Designated Bushfire Prone Area
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The township is surrounded by vegetation, increasing the risk during fire weather conditions. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) provides specific guidance for residents.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
26.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
4.2 days

Based on historical data for the broader Gippsland region, with projections indicating an increase in both average temperatures and extreme heat events.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
25 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Negligible
Erosion Risk
Negligible

Historical Climate Events

2009
bushfireMajor

The Black Saturday bushfires impacted large areas of Victoria, including regions near Dalyston. While Dalyston itself may not have been directly hit by major fires, the broader region experienced significant fire activity and loss.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Significant rainfall across Victoria led to widespread flooding, including in regional areas. Localised flooding and creek overflows were reported in the Bass Coast Shire, potentially affecting areas around Dalyston.

Source
2016
heatwaveMajor

A prolonged heatwave affected Victoria in January 2016, with temperatures soaring across the state. Regional areas like those around Dalyston experienced extreme heat, posing health risks.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Several grass fires occurred in the Gippsland region during the 2019-2020 fire season, driven by dry conditions. While not a catastrophic event for Dalyston, it highlighted the ongoing bushfire risk.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
bushfire657.2(+0.7)8.3(+1.8)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, under a moderate emissions scenario (RCP 4.5), Dalyston is projected to see a noticeable increase in overall climate risk. Bushfire and heat risks are expected to rise most significantly due to hotter, drier conditions. Flood risk may increase slightly due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Strengthen Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and regularly update household and community bushfire survival plans. Maintain defensible space around properties and ensure adequate water supplies for firefighting.

Est. cost: Low to Medium

Learn more

Improve Stormwater Management

Near-term

Investigate and upgrade local drainage infrastructure to cope with increased rainfall intensity. Promote permeable surfaces in new developments and encourage rainwater harvesting.

Est. cost: Medium to High

Learn more

Enhance Heatwave Resilience

Near-term

Promote awareness of heat health risks and establish community cooling centres. Encourage the planting of shade trees and the use of reflective building materials.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education and Awareness

Near-term

Conduct regular workshops and information sessions on climate risks, preparedness, and adaptation strategies for residents.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Review Land Use Planning

Long-term

Ensure local planning schemes adequately address climate risks, particularly bushfire and flood overlays, and restrict development in high-risk areas.

Est. cost: Variable

Learn more

About Dalyston's Climate Risk Profile

Dalyston, a small rural township in Victoria's Bass Coast Shire, is situated in a landscape that presents a complex mix of climate-related risks. While not directly on the coast, its proximity to significant bushland areas places it within a high bushfire risk zone. The surrounding topography and potential for intense rainfall events also contribute to a moderate flood risk, primarily from overland flows and localised creek flooding.

The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, a statewide trend, also impact Dalyston. As average temperatures rise and extreme heat days become more common, the community faces heightened risks associated with heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations and during the summer months. While coastal inundation and erosion are not direct threats due to its inland location, the broader regional climate shifts influence the environmental conditions that exacerbate bushfire and flood risks.

Understanding these risks is crucial for the resilience of Dalyston. The community's preparedness for bushfire events, including effective evacuation plans and property protection measures, is paramount. Similarly, managing localised flood risks requires attention to drainage infrastructure and land use planning to mitigate the impact of heavy rainfall. The long-term trend of rising temperatures necessitates strategies to cope with increased heat exposure.

Climate change projections indicate an intensification of these hazards. Future scenarios suggest more extreme weather events, including more severe bushfires, heavier rainfall leading to increased flood potential, and more frequent and intense heatwaves. These projections underscore the need for proactive adaptation and mitigation strategies to safeguard the community, its infrastructure, and its natural environment.

Data sources: Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) · CSIRO · Bass Coast Shire Council · Country Fire Authority (CFA) · Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) · Geoscience Australia

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main bushfire risk for Dalyston residents?

The main bushfire risk stems from the surrounding grasslands and bushland. During hot, dry, and windy conditions, fires can spread rapidly towards the township. Residents should have a bushfire survival plan and monitor CFA advice.

Does Dalyston experience significant flooding?

Dalyston is not typically subject to major riverine flooding. However, intense rainfall can cause localised flooding and overland flow issues, particularly in low-lying areas or where drainage is inadequate. Check the Bass Coast Shire flood overlay maps for specific details.

How will climate change affect heatwaves in Dalyston?

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves in Dalyston. This means more days above 35°C and a greater risk of heat-related illnesses.

What are the recommended actions for property owners regarding bushfire risk?

Property owners should create and maintain a defendable space around their homes, clear gutters and roofs of debris, and ensure they have appropriate fire-resistant building materials where possible. Regularly review your bushfire survival plan.

Is Dalyston affected by sea-level rise?

No, Dalyston is located sufficiently inland and at an elevation that it is not directly exposed to risks from sea-level rise or coastal erosion.

Where can I find more information about local climate risks?

The Bass Coast Shire Council website provides information on planning schemes, flood maps, and environmental strategies. The Country Fire Authority (CFA) and the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) are key resources for bushfire and weather information.

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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