Climate Risk Assessment for Maryborough, VIC

Maryborough, Victoria
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Maryborough faces increasing risks from heatwaves and flooding due to climate change. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Maryborough

increasing

Flood

60/100

Maryborough has a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near waterways and historical flood events. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood risks.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Maryborough faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures associated with climate change could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Maryborough is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Maryborough is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

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 Maryborough

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Maryborough is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Maryborough has a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near waterways and historical flood events. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood risks.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Maryborough is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Maryborough faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures associated with climate change could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to increased flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire overlays.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider insurance costs.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Loddon River
Elevation Range
240-280m
Flood Zone
Areas near the Loddon River are prone to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that areas near the Loddon River have experienced flooding in the past.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Surrounded by bushland in some areas.
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Management Overlay may apply to some properties.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Check with the local council for specific bushfire-prone area designations.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in the region.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in the region, impacting Maryborough and surrounding areas.

Source
2009
heatwaveMajor

The Black Saturday bushfires were preceded by a severe heatwave that affected much of Victoria, including Maryborough.

Source
2010
stormModerate

Severe storms caused damage to property and infrastructure in Maryborough.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Maryborough is projected to experience a noticeable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a slightly elevated risk of flooding. Bushfire risk will also see a moderate increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, such as improved drainage systems and levees.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a community-based heat action plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Support community education programs and improve bushfire management practices.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to address potential water scarcity issues.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Maryborough's Climate Risk Profile

Maryborough, Victoria, is situated in a region that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns for the area include rising temperatures, increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, and a higher risk of flooding due to changing rainfall patterns.

The town's location makes it susceptible to heatwaves, which are projected to become more frequent and severe. This poses a significant risk to the health of residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Additionally, changes in rainfall patterns are expected to increase the risk of flooding, especially in low-lying areas near waterways.

Bushfire risk is also a factor, with surrounding bushland creating a potential hazard during dry periods. While Maryborough is not directly on the coast, the broader regional climate changes will still impact the community through economic and social disruptions.

Addressing these challenges will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation strategies, including improved infrastructure, community awareness programs, and sustainable land management practices. Preparing for these changes is crucial to ensure the long-term resilience and well-being of Maryborough and its residents.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SES Victoria · CFA Victoria

Local Government Resources

Central Goldfields Shire Council

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Maryborough?

The main risks include increased heatwaves, flooding, and bushfire risk.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Maryborough?

Stay hydrated, stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

What should I do to prepare for potential flooding?

Stay informed about flood warnings, have an evacuation plan, and protect your property.

Where can I find information about bushfire risks in Maryborough?

Consult the CFA website and the local council for information on bushfire-prone areas and safety guidelines.

Is Maryborough likely to experience water shortages in the future?

Climate change may lead to reduced rainfall, so it's important to conserve water and use it efficiently.

Get your property's risk report

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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