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Climate Risk Profile: Sassafras, VIC

Sassafras, Victoria
High Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Sassafras, Victoria, faces significant climate risks, particularly from bushfires and flooding due to its location in the Dandenong Ranges. Heatwaves are also an increasing concern. Coastal risks are negligible.

Overall Risk Score

72/100
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
8.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Sassafras

increasing

Flood

65/100

Sassafras faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and overflowing creeks. The area's hilly terrain and dense vegetation can exacerbate runoff.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

80/100

Sassafras is at high risk of bushfires due to its location within the Dandenong Ranges, surrounded by dense forests and eucalyptus trees. Dry conditions and strong winds can quickly spread fires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

60/100

Sassafras experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. The urban heat island effect can amplify temperatures in built-up areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urbanisation
stable

Coastal

10/100

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

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 Sassafras

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

60/100

Sassafras experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. The urban heat island effect can amplify temperatures in built-up areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urbanisation
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Sassafras faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and overflowing creeks. The area's hilly terrain and dense vegetation can exacerbate runoff.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

80/100

Sassafras is at high risk of bushfires due to its location within the Dandenong Ranges, surrounded by dense forests and eucalyptus trees. Dry conditions and strong winds can quickly spread fires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.5

2050

9.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increasing premiums due to bushfire and flood risk.

Price Impact

Potential for decreased property values in high-risk areas.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood and bushfire risk maps.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review insurance options and costs.
  • 4.Consider climate change projections when making long-term investment decisions.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Sassafras Creek
Elevation Range
400-600m
Flood Zone
Partial

Localized flooding occurs during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

High bushfire risk due to surrounding forests.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2009
bushfireCatastrophic

The Black Saturday bushfires had a devastating impact on the Dandenong Ranges, including Sassafras, causing widespread damage and loss of life.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in Sassafras, inundating properties and disrupting traffic.

Source
2014
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in January 2014 put strain on infrastructure and caused health concerns for vulnerable residents in Sassafras.

Source
2020
stormModerate

Severe storms caused widespread tree damage and power outages in Sassafras.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday20302050
flood656.7(+0.2)7.0(+0.5)
bushfire808.4(+0.4)9.0(+1.0)
heat606.3(+0.3)6.8(+0.8)
coastal101.01.0

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Sassafras is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with bushfire risk increasing more significantly than other hazards.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and implement a comprehensive bushfire preparedness plan, including clearing vegetation around properties, creating firebreaks, and having an evacuation plan.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Flood Mitigation

Near-term

Implement flood mitigation measures, such as improving drainage infrastructure, constructing levees, and raising building foundations.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Management

Near-term

Develop and implement a heatwave management plan, including establishing cooling centers, providing public education on heat safety, and ensuring access to water and shade.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Resilience Building

Long-term

Promote community resilience by fostering social connections, providing mental health support, and building capacity to respond to climate-related disasters.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Sassafras's Climate Risk Profile

Sassafras, nestled in the Dandenong Ranges of Victoria, is a picturesque suburb known for its lush forests and charming village atmosphere. However, its unique geography also makes it vulnerable to several climate-related hazards.

The primary concern for Sassafras is bushfire risk. The surrounding forests provide ample fuel, and the area experiences hot, dry summers with strong winds, creating ideal conditions for fire spread. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these conditions, leading to more frequent and intense bushfires.

Flooding is another significant risk for Sassafras. Heavy rainfall events can cause creeks and waterways to overflow, inundating properties and disrupting infrastructure. The hilly terrain and dense vegetation can also contribute to increased runoff.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Sassafras, posing a threat to vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect can amplify temperatures in built-up areas, making it even hotter during heatwaves.

While Sassafras is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased insurance costs, could still affect the suburb.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · EMV

Local Government Resources

Cardinia Shire Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Sassafras?

The main climate change risks for Sassafras are bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires in Sassafras?

You can prepare your property for bushfires by clearing vegetation around your home, creating firebreaks, and having an evacuation plan. It is also important to stay informed about bushfire warnings and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

What should I do during a heatwave in Sassafras?

During a heatwave, it is important to stay cool, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. If you are feeling unwell, seek medical attention. You can also visit a cooling center to escape the heat.

Is my property insurance likely to increase in Sassafras?

Yes, it is likely that your property insurance premiums will increase in Sassafras due to the increasing risks of bushfires and flooding. It is important to review your insurance policy and ensure that you have adequate coverage.

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

You can find more information about climate change risks in Sassafras from the Cardinia Shire Council, the Bureau of Meteorology, and the CSIRO. You can also consult with local emergency services and community organizations.

Get your property's risk report

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$300B+
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30-120%
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*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

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