Climate Risk Assessment for Rhymney, VIC

Rhymney, Victoria· Rural City of Benalla· 3678
High Risk
Updated June 2026

Rhymney faces significant climate risks, particularly from bushfires, floods and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. Residents should take steps to prepare for these hazards.

Overall Risk Score

72/100
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
8.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Rhymney

increasing

Flood

65/100

Rhymney faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
increasing

Bushfire

80/100

Rhymney is located in a region with a high bushfire risk due to dry vegetation and hot summers. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot summers
increasing

Heat

70/100

Rhymney is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Deforestation
stable

Coastal

10/100

Rhymney is not located near the coast and faces minimal risk from coastal hazards.

stable

Wind

40/100

Moderate wind risk — cold fronts and gusty winds

stable

Storm

45/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms

stable

Social

30/100

Moderate social stability

increasing

Energy

50/100

Moderate energy costs — heating and cooling needs

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Rhymney

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Rhymney is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Deforestation
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Rhymney faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
  • ·Low-lying topography

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Rhymney is not located near the coast and faces minimal risk from coastal hazards.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

80/100

Rhymney is located in a region with a high bushfire risk due to dry vegetation and hot summers. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot summers
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.5

2050

9.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increasing risk of bushfires and floods.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire overlays.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to climate hazards.
  • 3.Obtain insurance quotes.
  • 4.Develop an emergency plan.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Broken River
Elevation Range
150-170m
Flood Zone
Areas near the Broken River are prone to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that properties close to the river are at higher risk.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The area has a history of bushfires, and residents should maintain firebreaks and have evacuation plans.

Heat Evidence

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

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the future.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Major flooding along the Broken River affected properties in Rhymney.

Source
2009
bushfireMajor

The Black Saturday bushfires caused widespread damage in the region, highlighting the area's vulnerability to bushfires.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

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

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.0(+0.5)
bushfire808.4(+0.4)8.8(+0.8)
heat707.6(+0.6)8.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Rhymney is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a heightened risk of bushfires and flooding due to changing rainfall patterns.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a community bushfire plan

Immediate

Create a detailed plan outlining evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and property protection measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve flood defenses

Near-term

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

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

Long-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Rhymney's Climate Risk Profile

Rhymney, Victoria, is a rural community that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is prone to bushfires due to dry vegetation and hot summers. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires, posing a significant threat to life and property.

Flooding is another major concern for Rhymney. The area is located near waterways and low-lying areas, making it susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall events. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, further increasing the risk of flooding.

Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense in Rhymney. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and people with chronic health conditions. Climate change is driving the increase in heatwave frequency and intensity.

While Rhymney is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, could indirectly affect the community. It is crucial for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions and mitigate the risks.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · EMV · SES

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Rhymney?

Rhymney faces significant risks from bushfires, floods, and heatwaves, all of which are expected to worsen with climate change.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your home, maintain firebreaks, and have a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity.

Where can I find information about local flood risks?

Consult the Rural City of Benalla's website for flood maps and information.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The Rural City of Benalla is developing and implementing strategies to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

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 Rhymney, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Rhymney's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

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