Glen Forbes Climate Risk Profile

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

Glen Forbes faces a medium overall climate risk, with significant bushfire and moderate flood risks. Projections indicate an increase in these risks, alongside rising temperatures. Adaptation measures are crucial for long-term resilience.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
3.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Glen Forbes

increasing

Flood

40/100

Moderate flood risk due to proximity to waterways and low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

High bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation and historical fire activity.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased dry periods
  • ·Fuel load accumulation
increasing

Heat

50/100

Medium heat risk, with increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent extreme heat days
stable

Coastal

30/100

Low coastal risk, with some exposure to storm surges during extreme weather events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
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 Glen Forbes

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Medium heat risk, with increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent extreme heat days

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 low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding

Projections (RCP 4.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

30/100

Low coastal risk, with some exposure to storm surges during extreme weather events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge

Projections (RCP 4.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

High bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation and historical fire activity.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased dry periods
  • ·Fuel load accumulation

Projections (RCP 8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increasing premiums expected due to rising climate risks, particularly bushfire.

Price Impact

Potential negative impact on property values in high-risk zones, especially for older or less resilient homes.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check current and future flood risk maps.
  • 2.Verify bushfire attack level (BAL) rating for the property.
  • 3.Assess proximity to bushland and potential fire paths.
  • 4.Inquire about past insurance claims related to climate events.
  • 5.Understand local emergency evacuation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Various small creeks and drainage lines
Elevation Range
5-30m above sea level
Flood Zone
Limited, localized flood zones identified in planning overlays

Risk is primarily from localized heavy rainfall and overland flow rather than major riverine flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to significant bushland reserves and agricultural buffer zones
Planning Overlay
Significant Bushfire Prone Area overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is classified as a high-risk bushfire zone by the CFA, requiring strict building regulations and fire preparedness.

Heat Evidence

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

Temperatures are projected to increase, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
8 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2009
bushfireMajor

The Black Saturday bushfires impacted surrounding regions, highlighting the significant bushfire risk in the area.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Significant rainfall led to localized flooding in low-lying areas of Bass Coast Shire, affecting some properties.

Source
2016
heatwaveMajor

A prolonged heatwave affected Victoria, with temperatures exceeding 40°C in many areas, increasing bushfire risk.

Source
2021
stormModerate

Severe thunderstorms caused localized flash flooding and wind damage across parts of Gippsland, including areas near Glen Forbes.

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)
bushfire606.6(+0.6)7.2(+1.2)
heat505.4(+0.4)6.0(+1.0)
coastal303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)

By 2030, under a moderate emissions scenario (RCP 4.5), Glen Forbes is projected to experience a noticeable increase in overall climate risk. Bushfire and flood risks are expected to rise due to more extreme weather patterns, while heatwave frequency will also increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop and Maintain Fire Breaks

Near-term

Establish and maintain adequate fire breaks around properties and community areas, especially adjacent to bushland.

Est. cost: $500 - $2,000 per property

Learn more

Improve Stormwater Management

Near-term

Implement strategies to improve local stormwater drainage and retention to mitigate flash flooding risks.

Est. cost: $1,000 - $5,000 for property-level solutions

Learn more

Retrofit Homes for Heat Resilience

Long-term

Upgrade insulation, install efficient cooling systems, and consider reflective roofing materials to combat rising temperatures.

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

Learn more

Community Bushfire Preparedness Plan

Immediate

Develop and regularly update a community-wide bushfire preparedness and evacuation plan.

Est. cost: Volunteer-driven, minimal direct cost

Learn more

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)

Long-term

Incorporate WSUD principles in new developments and upgrades to manage water runoff and reduce flood impact.

Est. cost: Varies based on scale

Learn more

About Glen Forbes's Climate Risk Profile

Glen Forbes, located within the Bass Coast Shire, is a semi-rural locality with a growing population. Its landscape is characterized by a mix of agricultural land, remnant bushland, and proximity to coastal areas, which influences its climate risk profile.

The suburb is particularly susceptible to bushfire threats, with significant areas of surrounding vegetation acting as fuel. Historical data and current risk assessments indicate an increasing trend in bushfire severity due to hotter and drier conditions. Residents should be aware of the Country Fire Authority (CFA) designated bushfire-prone areas and adhere to fire prevention regulations.

Flood risk in Glen Forbes is primarily associated with local waterways and potential flash flooding during intense rainfall events. While not on a major river system, low-lying areas can experience inundation. Climate change projections suggest an increase in extreme rainfall, exacerbating these flood risks. Understanding local flood mapping and emergency evacuation routes is essential.

Heatwaves are another growing concern for Glen Forbes. As average temperatures rise and the frequency of extreme heat days increases, the risk of heat-related health issues and increased bushfire danger intensifies. Access to cooling centers and maintaining adequate hydration during hot periods are important considerations for residents.

While the direct coastal impact is less pronounced than in neighbouring areas, Glen Forbes can still be affected by storm surges and coastal erosion during severe weather. Sea level rise projections, though moderate for this specific location, contribute to a long-term increase in coastal hazard exposure.

Overall, Glen Forbes requires a proactive approach to climate change adaptation. By understanding the specific risks and implementing recommended strategies, the community can enhance its resilience and ensure a safer future for its residents.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary bushfire risk for Glen Forbes?

The primary bushfire risk stems from the surrounding native vegetation and grasslands, which can ignite and spread rapidly during hot, dry, and windy conditions. The area is classified as a high-risk zone by the CFA.

Does Glen Forbes experience significant flooding?

Glen Forbes experiences localized flooding primarily due to intense rainfall events overwhelming drainage systems and causing overland flow. While not prone to major riverine flooding, low-lying areas can be affected.

How will climate change affect heatwaves in Glen Forbes?

Climate change projections indicate that Glen Forbes will experience more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting heatwaves, increasing the risk of heat stress and exacerbating bushfire conditions.

What are the recommendations for property owners regarding bushfire preparedness?

Property owners are advised to create and maintain defendable space around their homes, clear gutters, have appropriate firefighting equipment, and develop a household emergency plan. Adhering to building regulations for bushfire-prone areas is also crucial.

Is Glen Forbes at risk of sea level rise impacts?

While Glen Forbes is not directly on the coast, it has a low exposure to sea level rise. However, it may experience indirect impacts such as increased storm surge intensity during extreme weather events.

Where can I find the official flood maps for Glen Forbes?

Official flood information and maps relevant to Glen Forbes can typically be found on the Bass Coast Shire Council's website, often within their planning scheme or emergency management sections.

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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