Rosanna Climate Risk Profile

Rosanna, Victoria· Banyule City Council· 3095
Medium Risk
Updated June 2026

Rosanna, a suburb in Melbourne's northeast, faces moderate climate risks, primarily driven by increasing heatwave intensity and a significant flood risk due to its proximity to the Yarra River. While bushfire risk is lower, adaptation is crucial for resilience.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Rosanna

increasing

Flood

65/100

Rosanna faces a moderate to high risk of flash flooding and riverine inundation due to its proximity to the Yarra River and its tributaries, coupled with low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urbanisation and impervious surfaces
stable

Bushfire

30/100

While not directly bordering major bushland, Rosanna has some proximity to vegetated areas and parks, posing a low to moderate bushfire risk, particularly during extreme weather events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to parklands
  • ·Dry vegetation conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Rosanna experiences significant heat stress due to its urban environment, limited tree canopy in some areas, and a high number of heatwave events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Urban Heat Island effect
  • ·Increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Rosanna is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal erosion or sea-level rise 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 Rosanna

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Rosanna experiences significant heat stress due to its urban environment, limited tree canopy in some areas, and a high number of heatwave events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Urban Heat Island effect
  • ·Increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves
  • ·Limited green space in developed areas

Projections (RCP 4.5)

2030

7.8

2050

8.5

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Rosanna faces a moderate to high risk of flash flooding and riverine inundation due to its proximity to the Yarra River and its tributaries, coupled with low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urbanisation and impervious surfaces
  • ·Potential for river overflow

Projections (RCP 4.5)

2030

7.2

2050

8.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Rosanna is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal erosion or sea-level rise risks.

Projections (RCP 4.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

While not directly bordering major bushland, Rosanna has some proximity to vegetated areas and parks, posing a low to moderate bushfire risk, particularly during extreme weather events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to parklands
  • ·Dry vegetation conditions

Projections (RCP 4.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase for properties in known flood zones or those with higher bushfire risk ratings. Heat-related damage is also a growing concern.

Price Impact

Properties with demonstrated resilience to heat and flood may command a premium. Conversely, properties in high-risk areas could see reduced demand or price stagnation.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Review flood maps and historical flood data for the specific property.
  • 2.Assess proximity to waterways and drainage systems.
  • 3.Check for adequate tree canopy and shading around the property.
  • 4.Understand local bushfire risk and preparedness measures.
  • 5.Inquire about existing flood mitigation or cooling strategies.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Yarra River
Elevation Range
15-50 meters above sea level
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to the Yarra River and its tributaries are identified as flood-prone.

Some older infrastructure may be more susceptible to flash flooding. Stormwater drainage capacity is a concern during extreme rainfall.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 1-2 km of several parklands and vegetated reserves.
Planning Overlay
Not within a designated Bushfire Prone Area overlay, but adjacent to some vegetated zones.
Bushfire Prone Area
No

Properties backing onto Banyule Flats Reserve or other parklands should maintain appropriate defensible space.

Heat Evidence

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

Tree canopy cover varies significantly across Rosanna, with older, established areas having more shade than newer developments. Increased use of air conditioning is common.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
45 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
None
Erosion Risk
None

Historical Climate Events

1934
floodMajor

Significant flooding occurred along the Yarra River, impacting low-lying areas including parts of Rosanna and surrounding suburbs.

Source
2005
stormModerate

Severe thunderstorms caused widespread flash flooding and damage across Melbourne, including localized flooding in Rosanna's lower-lying streets.

Source
2014
heatwaveMajor

A prolonged and intense heatwave affected Victoria, with temperatures soaring in Rosanna, leading to increased health alerts and strain on power infrastructure.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall led to flash flooding in several parts of Rosanna, particularly affecting areas with inadequate stormwater drainage.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.2(+0.7)7.7(+1.2)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.3(+0.3)
heat708.0(+1.0)8.8(+1.8)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Rosanna is projected to experience a noticeable increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by more frequent and intense heatwaves. Flood risk will also slightly increase due to heavier rainfall events. Bushfire risk remains low but stable.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Enhance Urban Green Infrastructure

Near-term

Increase tree planting and green spaces, particularly in heat-vulnerable areas, to mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect and improve stormwater absorption.

Est. cost: $$

Learn more

Upgrade Stormwater Drainage Systems

Immediate

Invest in upgrading and maintaining stormwater infrastructure to better cope with increased intensity of rainfall events and reduce flash flooding.

Est. cost: $$$

Learn more

Promote Heatwave Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and promote community awareness campaigns about heatwave risks, including identifying cool refuges and personal preparedness strategies.

Est. cost: $

Learn more

Implement Floodplain Management Plans

Near-term

Review and update floodplain management plans, considering future climate projections, and implement measures such as permeable paving and flood-resilient building designs.

Est. cost: $$$

Learn more

Develop Bushfire-Resilient Landscaping

Long-term

Encourage residents living near parklands to adopt fire-resistant landscaping practices and maintain defensible space.

Est. cost: $

Learn more

About Rosanna's Climate Risk Profile

Rosanna, situated in Melbourne's inner northeast, presents a mixed climate risk profile for its residents. The suburb's overall rating is 'Medium', reflecting a combination of significant heat and flood vulnerabilities, balanced by lower risks from bushfire and coastal impacts.

The most pressing concern for Rosanna is the increasing intensity and frequency of heatwaves. As an established urban area, it experiences the Urban Heat Island effect, where built environments absorb and retain more heat. This is exacerbated by a variable distribution of tree canopy and green spaces, leading to higher ambient temperatures during summer months. Projections indicate a substantial increase in heat stress events, impacting public health and infrastructure.

Flood risk is another significant factor for Rosanna. The suburb lies within the catchment of the Yarra River and its tributaries, with some areas being low-lying. While major flood events are infrequent, flash flooding from intense rainfall and potential overflow from the Yarra pose a tangible threat to properties and infrastructure. The increasing intensity of rainfall events due to climate change amplifies this risk.

Bushfire risk in Rosanna is comparatively lower than in outer-lying suburbs. However, the presence of local parks and vegetated corridors means that the risk, though moderate, cannot be entirely dismissed, especially during prolonged dry periods and high fire danger days. Preparedness remains important for properties bordering these green spaces.

Coastal risks are negligible for Rosanna, given its inland location, far removed from the direct impacts of sea-level rise and coastal erosion. This aspect of climate risk does not pose a direct threat to the suburb.

Overall, Rosanna requires a focused approach to climate adaptation, prioritising heat resilience strategies and robust flood mitigation measures. Community awareness and preparedness for extreme weather events are key to ensuring the long-term safety and liveability of the suburb.

Data sources: Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) · CSIRO · Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) · Banyule City Council · Geoscience Australia

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main flood risk in Rosanna?

The main flood risk in Rosanna stems from its proximity to the Yarra River and its tributaries, as well as the potential for flash flooding due to intense rainfall overwhelming stormwater systems in low-lying areas.

How will climate change affect heatwaves in Rosanna?

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves in Rosanna, leading to more frequent days of extreme heat and greater risk of heat-related illnesses.

Is Rosanna prone to bushfires?

Rosanna has a low to moderate bushfire risk. While not directly adjacent to large tracts of dense bushland, properties near local parks and vegetated areas should remain vigilant during high fire danger periods.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding in Rosanna?

Consider installing flood barriers, ensuring stormwater drains are clear, elevating essential services, and checking your home insurance policy. For properties near the Yarra, consult Banyule Council's flood information.

Are there specific areas in Rosanna more affected by heat?

Areas with less tree canopy cover and a higher density of buildings and paved surfaces tend to experience higher temperatures due to the Urban Heat Island effect. Newer developments may have less established shade.

Where can I find official flood information for Rosanna?

Official flood information, including flood maps for Rosanna, can be found on the Banyule City Council website and through the Victorian State Emergency Service (SES).

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 Rosanna, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Rosanna'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