Is Highett, VIC Climate Safe? 2026 Assessment
Climate Safety Score
5.2/10Moderate climate risk — address-specific
Key Facts
- Climate Safety
- Medium
- Flood
- Highett faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The proximity to waterways increases the potential for inundation.
- Bushfire
- The bushfire risk in Highett is relatively low due to its urban location and distance from significant bushland areas. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves can still pose a localized threat.
- Heat
- Highett is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.
- Storm
- Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms with hail and damaging winds
- Postcode
- 3190
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 17.1% of land (bushfire)
Climate Safety Analysis
Highett in Victoria has an overall climate safety rating of Medium. This multi-hazard assessment combines flood, bushfire, heat, coastal, and storm risk data with climate projections to 2050 from CSIRO and the Bureau of Meteorology.
Key factors affecting Highett's climate safety include heat, flood. Each hazard is assessed independently and combined for an overall picture. Australia has warmed by approximately 1.5 °C since 1910, with flow-on effects to fire weather, extreme rainfall, and heatwave frequency.
Climate safety for property in Highett is not uniform — it varies by address. Factors such as elevation, distance to waterways, proximity to bushland, and local drainage all influence actual risk at a specific property. Two nearby properties can have materially different risk profiles.
For a complete property-specific climate safety report for Highett including address-level hazard mapping, insurance outlook, and adaptation recommendations, use the ClimateNest full analysis tool.
Highett (postcode 3190) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (17.1% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (7.5% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (5.6% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Highett — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.
Local Hazard Evidence
Historical Events
Severe storms caused damage to property and infrastructure in the Melbourne area, including Highett.
Localized flooding occurred due to heavy rainfall and stormwater runoff.
The 2009 heatwave resulted in record-breaking temperatures and increased heat-related illnesses.
Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in Melbourne, including parts of Highett.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve stormwater drainage
Near-termUpgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Increase green spaces
Near-termPlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.
Est. cost: Medium
Develop a heatwave response plan
ImmediateImplement a heatwave early warning system and provide support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Coastal protection measures
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures such as seawalls and beach nourishment to protect against sea level rise and erosion.
Est. cost: High
Community education programs
Near-termEducate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Highett Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Highett:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Highett safe from climate change?
No location in Australia is entirely immune to climate change impacts. Highett has an overall Medium climate risk rating. Understanding the specific hazards at your property address — not just the suburb average — provides the most reliable risk picture.
Which climate hazard poses the biggest risk in Highett?
The dominant hazard for Highett depends on geography and local environment. Proximity to waterways elevates flood risk, while proximity to bushland increases bushfire risk. ClimateNest's multi-hazard analysis identifies the highest-risk hazards for any specific address.
How does Highett compare to nearby suburbs for climate safety?
Nearby suburbs may have different climate risk profiles depending on elevation, vegetation cover, drainage patterns, and land use. ClimateNest allows comparison of climate safety scores across Victoria suburbs.
Should I be concerned about buying property in Highett?
Climate risk should be one factor in your decision, alongside price, location, and amenity. An informed buyer understands the specific risks at a property address and factors insurance costs and climate projections into their assessment of long-term value.
What climate projections should I know for Highett?
Key projections for Victoria from CSIRO include increased average temperatures, more frequent hot days, changes in rainfall seasonality, longer fire seasons, and potential increases in extreme rainfall intensity. These trends inform the long-term outlook for Highett.
What share of Highett is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 17.1% of Highett in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 70.1% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.
Is Highett Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Highett, Victoria, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections