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Climate Risk Assessment for Kerang, VIC

Kerang, Victoria· Gannawarra· 3579
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Kerang is a rural town in northern Victoria facing increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. While bushfire risk is moderate, the town is not exposed to coastal hazards. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.2
Bushfire
3.5
Heat
6.7
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Kerang

increasing

Flood

72/100

Kerang faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Loddon River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
stable

Bushfire

35/100

Kerang has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and agricultural areas. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

67/100

Kerang experiences high temperatures during summer, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Kerang is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from the coast
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 Kerang

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

67/100

Kerang experiences high temperatures during summer, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.4

Data source

flood Risk

72/100

Kerang faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Loddon River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

7.8

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Kerang is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

35/100

Kerang has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and agricultural areas. Hot, dry conditions during summer increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Windy conditions

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.7

2050

3.9

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's bushfire risk.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insulation and cooling systems.
  • 4.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Loddon River
Elevation Range
80-90m
Flood Zone
Areas near the Loddon River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have impacted properties and infrastructure in Kerang.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 5km of grasslands and agricultural areas.
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Management Overlay may apply to some properties.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain their properties to reduce fuel loads.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Heatwaves can strain local healthcare services.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodMajor

Major flooding along the Loddon River impacted Kerang, inundating homes and businesses.

Source
2009
heatwaveCatastrophic

The 2009 Victorian heatwave resulted in record-breaking temperatures and increased mortality in Kerang.

Source
2010
floodModerate

Flooding along the Loddon River caused disruption to transport and agriculture.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in January 2013 put strain on local resources.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5

HazardToday20302050
flood727.5(+0.3)7.8(+0.6)
bushfire353.7(+0.2)3.9(+0.4)
heat677.2(+0.5)7.7(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Kerang is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by more frequent and intense heatwaves and flooding events. Bushfire risk is also expected to increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees, improved drainage systems, and flood-proofing of buildings.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement community education programs on bushfire safety and preparedness, and support residents in reducing fuel loads around their properties.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to ensure water security in the face of changing rainfall patterns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Kerang's Climate Risk Profile

Kerang, located in the Gannawarra Shire of northern Victoria, is a town with a rich agricultural history. The region's climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. However, climate change is altering these patterns, leading to increased risks from various hazards.

Flooding is a significant concern for Kerang due to its proximity to the Loddon River and surrounding low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity is expected to exacerbate flood events, potentially impacting homes, businesses, and infrastructure. The town also experiences moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of grasslands and agricultural land.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify these risks in built-up areas.

While Kerang is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to agriculture and water resources, could have significant consequences for the town's economy and way of life. Adapting to these changes will require a concerted effort from residents, businesses, and local government.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · EMV

Local Government Resources

Gannawarra Shire Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Kerang?

The main climate change risks for Kerang are increased flooding, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a moderate risk of bushfires.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The Gannawarra Shire Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including improving flood defenses and promoting water conservation.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Kerang?

You can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Kerang?

You can find information about flood risks in Kerang on the Gannawarra Shire Council website and through the Victorian State Emergency Service.

How can I reduce my property's bushfire risk?

You can reduce your property's bushfire risk by clearing vegetation around your home, maintaining your gutters, and having a bushfire survival plan.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Kerang, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Kerang →

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