Climate Risk in Lakes Entrance, VIC

Lakes Entrance, Victoria· UNKNOWN
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Lakes Entrance faces increasing climate risks, particularly from flooding, heatwaves and coastal hazards. Sea level rise and more intense rainfall are key drivers. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
6.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

6.0/10

Lakes Entrance is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising temperatures
  • ·Heatwave frequency
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.3

Data source

flood Risk

7.0/10

Lakes Entrance faces a notable risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity and sea levels, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.2

Data source

coastal Risk

6.0/10

Lakes Entrance is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise. This threatens infrastructure and ecosystems.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.7

2050

7.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

4.0/10

Lakes Entrance has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.1

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums are likely to increase due to increased flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone areas.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to sea level rise.
  • 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential for increased premiums.
  • 4.Inquire about past flood or bushfire events.
  • 5.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency and ability to withstand extreme heat.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Cunninghame Arm
Elevation Range
0-10m
Flood Zone
Yes

Low lying areas around the lake are prone to flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
https://www.planning.vic.gov.au/
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas to the north and west of Lakes Entrance are designated as bushfire prone.

Heat Evidence

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

Average January maximum temperature is increasing, with more frequent heatwave conditions.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2007
floodModerate

Major flooding event impacted Lakes Entrance, causing damage to properties and infrastructure.

Source
2009
bushfireMajor

The Black Saturday bushfires impacted the region, with significant smoke and ash affecting Lakes Entrance.

Source
2013
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in Lakes Entrance, disrupting traffic and damaging properties.

Source
2019
bushfireMajor

Bushfires in East Gippsland caused significant smoke haze in Lakes Entrance and surrounding areas.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood7.07.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
bushfire4.04.3(+0.3)4.6(+0.6)
heat6.06.7(+0.7)7.5(+1.5)
coastal6.06.4(+0.4)6.9(+0.9)

By 2030, Lakes Entrance is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and intensity. Flooding and coastal erosion risks are also expected to increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees, seawalls, and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Strengthen Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as fuel reduction burns and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Plan for Coastal Retreat

Long-term

Develop a long-term plan for managing coastal erosion and sea level rise, including potential relocation of infrastructure and communities.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

About Lakes Entrance's Climate Risk Profile

Lakes Entrance, a coastal town in Victoria, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. Sea level rise and more intense rainfall events are expected to exacerbate these risks.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the town's low-lying location and proximity to the ocean and lakes. Increased rainfall intensity and storm surges will likely lead to more frequent and severe flooding events, impacting homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Bushfire risk is also present, with surrounding vegetation posing a threat during hot, dry conditions. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires in the region, requiring residents to be vigilant and prepared.

Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect may further amplify these risks.

Coastal erosion and inundation are also significant threats, with sea level rise expected to impact coastal infrastructure and ecosystems. This could lead to property damage and displacement of residents.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Victorian State Emergency Service · East Gippsland Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Lakes Entrance?

The main climate change risks for Lakes Entrance are flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to sea level rise, more intense rainfall events, and hotter, drier conditions.

How will sea level rise affect Lakes Entrance?

Sea level rise is expected to cause increased coastal erosion and inundation in Lakes Entrance, threatening infrastructure, ecosystems, and properties located near the coast.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Lakes Entrance?

To prepare for heatwaves, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, check on vulnerable neighbors, and follow advice from local authorities.

Is my property in Lakes Entrance at risk of flooding?

Properties in low-lying areas near the lake and coast are at higher risk of flooding. Check the council's flood maps to assess your property's risk.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Lakes Entrance?

The East Gippsland Shire Council is developing and implementing climate change strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Check their website for more information.

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