Climate Risk Assessment for Mount Rowan, VIC

Mount Rowan, Victoria· City of Ballarat· 3352
Medium Risk
Updated June 2026

Mount Rowan faces moderate risks from bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, potentially impacting property values and community well-being. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Mount Rowan

increasing

Flood

40/100

Mount Rowan faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby creeks and waterways. Localised flooding can disrupt transportation and damage property.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

The bushfire risk in Mount Rowan is relatively high due to its proximity to grasslands and forested areas. Hot, dry conditions during summer months increase the likelihood of bushfires impacting the community.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

50/100

Mount Rowan experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. This can lead to heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Mount Rowan is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

  • ·N/A
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 Mount Rowan

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Mount Rowan experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. This can lead to heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Mount Rowan faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby creeks and waterways. Localised flooding can disrupt transportation and damage property.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Mount Rowan is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·N/A

Projections (N/A)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

The bushfire risk in Mount Rowan is relatively high due to its proximity to grasslands and forested areas. Hot, dry conditions during summer months increase the likelihood of bushfires impacting the community.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Stronger winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the elevated risk of bushfires and flooding.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to climate-related risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review insurance coverage for climate-related events.
  • 4.Consider implementing adaptation measures to reduce risks.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Yarrowee River
Elevation Range
440-480m
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near the Yarrowee River

Historical flood data indicates localised flooding events in the past, particularly affecting properties near the Yarrowee River.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to state forest
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is designated as a bushfire-prone area, requiring properties to adhere to specific building codes and vegetation management practices.

Heat Evidence

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

Average maximum temperatures in January are increasing, leading to more frequent heat stress events, especially for outdoor workers and vulnerable residents.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
110 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
N/A
Erosion Risk
N/A

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localised flooding in low-lying areas of Mount Rowan, affecting several properties.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Mount Rowan threatened properties, requiring residents to be prepared for evacuation.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress and health concerns for vulnerable residents in Mount Rowan.

Source
2023
stormMinor

A severe storm caused minor damage to properties in Mount Rowan due to strong winds and heavy rain.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Mount Rowan is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and bushfires, with a slight increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a community bushfire preparedness plan

Immediate

Create a plan that outlines evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and property protection measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement heatwave early warning system

Immediate

Establish a system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on staying safe.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote water conservation measures

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water to reduce strain on water resources during periods of drought and heat.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Increase tree canopy cover

Near-term

Plant more trees to provide shade and reduce the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Mount Rowan's Climate Risk Profile

Mount Rowan, located near Ballarat in Victoria, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include bushfires due to the surrounding grasslands and forests, heatwaves during the summer months, and flooding from intense rainfall events.

The bushfire risk is a significant concern, with hot, dry conditions increasing the likelihood of fires spreading rapidly. Residents should maintain their properties and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves pose a threat to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Access to cooling centers and adequate hydration are crucial during these events.

Flooding can occur due to heavy rainfall, particularly in areas with poor drainage. This can lead to property damage and disruption of transportation. Improving drainage infrastructure and implementing flood mitigation measures are essential to reduce the impact of flooding.

Overall, Mount Rowan needs to adapt to the changing climate by implementing strategies to mitigate the risks of bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding. This includes community education, infrastructure improvements, and emergency preparedness planning. Addressing these challenges will help ensure the long-term resilience and sustainability of the suburb.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · EMV

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Mount Rowan?

The main climate risks in Mount Rowan are bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding. These risks are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

You can prepare your property by clearing vegetation, maintaining gutters, and having a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Mount Rowan?

You can find information about flood risks on the City of Ballarat website and through the State Emergency Service.

What is the City of Ballarat doing to address climate change?

The City of Ballarat is implementing various strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including improving energy efficiency and promoting sustainable transportation.

Are there any community programs to help residents prepare for climate-related events?

Yes, the City of Ballarat and local community groups offer programs and workshops on bushfire preparedness, heatwave safety, and flood mitigation.

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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