Climate Risk in Romsey, VIC

Romsey, Victoria· Macedon Ranges· 3434

Medium Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Romsey faces increasing risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves due to climate change. Proactive adaptation measures are essential to protect the community and its assets. The area is not exposed to coastal risks.

Overall Risk Score

55/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.0

Bushfire

7.0

Heat

4.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Romsey

increasing

Flood

60/100

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

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Romsey is located in a bushfire-prone area, with significant bushland surrounding the town. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

40/100

Romsey experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This could impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Romsey is not directly exposed to 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 Romsey

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Romsey experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This could impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

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

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Inadequate drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Romsey is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Romsey is located in a bushfire-prone area, with significant bushland surrounding the town. 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

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

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

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and bushfire overlays.
2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
4.Review council's climate adaptation plan.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Deep Creek
Elevation Range: 450-500m
Flood Zone: Areas near Deep Creek are susceptible to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent to town
Planning Overlay: Bushfire Management Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

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

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 70 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2011

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Romsey, impacting several properties near Deep Creek.

Source

2009

bushfireMajor

The Black Saturday bushfires caused significant damage in the Macedon Ranges, highlighting the region's vulnerability to bushfires.

Source

2019

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in January resulted in increased demand for emergency services and strain on infrastructure.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	60	6.5(+0.5)	7.0(+1.0)
bushfire	70	7.5(+0.5)	8.0(+1.0)
heat	40	4.5(+0.5)	5.0(+1.0)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Romsey is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with higher risks from flooding, bushfires and heatwaves. Adaptation measures are needed to reduce these impacts.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to manage increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement fuel reduction programs

Immediate

Conduct regular fuel reduction activities in surrounding bushland to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Near-term

Create a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to address potential water scarcity due to climate change.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Romsey's Climate Risk Profile

Romsey, located in the Macedon Ranges of Victoria, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are expected to exacerbate these hazards.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the town's proximity to waterways. Increased rainfall intensity can overwhelm drainage systems and cause property damage. Bushfires pose a threat due to the surrounding bushland, with hotter and drier conditions increasing the risk of ignition and spread.

Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense, impacting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify these impacts.

While Romsey is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the broader region may experience indirect effects from climate change. Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort from local government, residents, and other stakeholders.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Emergency Management Victoria · Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Macedon Ranges Shire Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Romsey?

The main climate change risks in Romsey are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase due to changes in rainfall patterns and rising temperatures.

How will climate change affect property values in Romsey?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of flooding and bushfires. Insurance premiums may also increase.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Romsey?

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to reduce the impacts of climate change. This includes upgrading drainage infrastructure, implementing fuel reduction programs, and developing a heatwave management plan.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change impacts?

Residents can prepare for climate change impacts by checking flood maps and bushfire overlays, assessing their property's vulnerability to heatwaves, inquiring about insurance costs and coverage, and reviewing the council's climate adaptation plan.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Romsey?

You can find more information about climate change risks in Romsey on the Macedon Ranges Shire Council website, the Bureau of Meteorology website, and the Emergency Management Victoria website.