Climate Risk Assessment for Lance Creek, Victoria

Lance Creek, Victoria· Bass Coast Shire Council· 3987
Medium Risk
Updated June 2026

Lance Creek faces a medium overall climate risk, primarily driven by significant bushfire threats and increasing flood potential. While coastal risks are low, residents should prepare for more intense heatwaves and changing rainfall patterns.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
2.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Lance Creek

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
  • ·Vegetation fuel load
increasing

Heat

50/100

Moderate heat risk with increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
stable

Coastal

20/100

Low coastal risk due to significant distance from the coast.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise (minimal impact at this distance)
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 Lance Creek

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Moderate heat risk with increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves

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

20/100

Low coastal risk due to significant distance from the coast.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise (minimal impact at this distance)

Projections (RCP 4.5)

2030

2.2

2050

2.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased dry periods
  • ·Vegetation fuel load

Projections (RCP 8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to bushfire and flood risks.

Price Impact

Potential for negative impact on property values in high-risk zones.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Review current and historical bushfire risk reports.
  • 2.Check flood mapping for specific property location.
  • 3.Assess proximity to bushland and potential firebreaks.
  • 4.Understand local emergency evacuation routes.
  • 5.Inquire about property's resilience to heat and water restrictions.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Lance Creek
Elevation Range
10-50m
Flood Zone
Low to moderate risk in some lower-lying areas near the creek.

The primary flood risk is associated with flash flooding from intense rainfall events and potential overflow of Lance Creek.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The suburb is bordered by extensive native bushland, increasing the risk during fire danger periods.

Heat Evidence

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

Average maximum temperatures in January are moderate, but the frequency of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

1962
bushfireMajor

The Black Friday bushfires impacted large areas of Victoria, including regions near Lance Creek, causing significant destruction.

Source
2009
bushfireMajor

The Black Saturday bushfires affected many communities across Victoria, with significant fire activity in the broader Gippsland region.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Widespread flooding occurred across Victoria following heavy rainfall, impacting river systems including those near Lance Creek.

Source
2016
heatwaveModerate

A significant heatwave affected Victoria, with temperatures soaring across the state, including the Bass Coast region.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.3(+0.3)4.6(+0.6)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)7.0(+1.0)
heat505.5(+0.5)6.1(+1.1)
coastal202.1(+0.1)2.2(+0.2)

By 2030, under a moderate emissions scenario, Lance Creek is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, driven by more frequent heatwaves and a moderate rise in bushfire conditions.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a Household Bushfire Survival Plan

Immediate

Create a plan that outlines actions to take before, during, and after a bushfire, including evacuation routes and communication strategies.

Est. cost: $

Learn more

Improve Property Defensibility

Near-term

Create defendable space around your home by clearing flammable vegetation, maintaining gutters, and using fire-resistant building materials.

Est. cost: $$

Learn more

Install Rainwater Harvesting and Storage

Near-term

Implement systems to capture and store rainwater for use during dry periods and potential water restrictions, also aiding in managing stormwater runoff.

Est. cost: $$

Learn more

Enhance Home Cooling and Insulation

Long-term

Improve home insulation, install efficient cooling systems, and consider passive cooling techniques to mitigate the impacts of increasing heatwaves.

Est. cost: $$$

Learn more

Participate in Local Flood Mitigation Planning

Long-term

Engage with council initiatives and community groups focused on understanding and mitigating local flood risks, such as improving drainage and maintaining waterways.

Est. cost: $

Learn more

About Lance Creek's Climate Risk Profile

Lance Creek, located within the Bass Coast Shire, presents a complex climate risk profile for its residents. The suburb is situated in a region that experiences a blend of environmental factors, making it susceptible to specific climate-related hazards. The primary concern for Lance Creek is its significant bushfire risk. The surrounding natural vegetation, coupled with Victoria's climate patterns, creates conditions where bushfires can ignite and spread rapidly, particularly during hotter, drier periods. This necessitates robust preparation and awareness from residents and local authorities.

Flood risk, while currently moderate, is a growing concern. The presence of local waterways and the potential for increased rainfall intensity due to climate change mean that flash flooding and riverine flooding events could become more frequent or severe. Understanding local topography and drainage patterns is crucial for mitigating these risks. The area is not directly exposed to significant coastal erosion or inundation due to its inland location, but regional coastal processes can indirectly influence weather patterns.

Heatwaves are another significant factor impacting Lance Creek. As global temperatures rise, the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme heat events are projected to increase. This poses health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, and can strain local infrastructure and resources. Planning for extreme heat, including access to cooling centres and maintaining adequate water supplies, is becoming increasingly important.

While the direct impact of sea-level rise is minimal given Lance Creek's distance from the coast, the broader climatic shifts affecting Victoria will influence the region. These include changes in average temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and potentially more extreme weather events like storms. A comprehensive approach to climate resilience involves addressing each of these hazards through a combination of individual preparedness, community action, and strategic land-use planning.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary bushfire risk for Lance Creek residents?

The primary bushfire risk stems from the proximity to extensive native bushland surrounding the suburb, which can act as fuel during high fire danger periods.

How likely are flood events in Lance Creek?

Flood risk is moderate, mainly associated with flash flooding from intense rainfall and potential overflow of Lance Creek. Lower-lying areas are more susceptible.

What are the projected changes in heatwaves for Lance Creek?

Climate projections indicate an increase in the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves, posing greater health risks and demands on resources.

Does Lance Creek face risks from sea-level rise?

Due to its inland location approximately 15km from the coast, Lance Creek faces very low direct risk from sea-level rise and coastal erosion.

Where can I find the most up-to-date fire danger ratings for Lance Creek?

You can find the most current fire danger ratings and total fire ban information on the Country Fire Authority (CFA) website.

What steps should I take to prepare my property for bushfire season in Lance Creek?

Key steps include creating a defendable space around your home, clearing gutters, maintaining your garden, and having a well-rehearsed bushfire survival plan.

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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