Tanjil Bren Climate Risk Assessment

Tanjil Bren, Victoria· Baw Baw Shire Council· 3821
High Risk
Updated June 2026

Tanjil Bren faces significant bushfire and flood risks due to its location within dense forests and proximity to waterways. While coastal risks are negligible, increasing heatwave intensity poses a growing concern. Proactive adaptation and community preparedness are crucial for mitigating these escalating climate threats.

Overall Risk Score

78/100
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.5
Bushfire
8.5
Heat
6.0
Coastal
0.5

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Tanjil Bren

increasing

Flood

75/100

Tanjil Bren faces a high risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and potential for intense rainfall events, exacerbated by changing climate patterns.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased intensity of rainfall events
  • ·Changes in land use and vegetation cover
increasing

Bushfire

85/100

The suburb is situated in a high bushfire risk area, with dense surrounding vegetation and a history of significant fire events, posing a severe threat during warmer, drier periods.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves
  • ·Prolonged dry spells
increasing

Heat

60/100

While not a major urban heat island, Tanjil Bren experiences increasing heatwave intensity and duration, impacting outdoor activities and increasing health risks for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent and severe heatwaves
stable

Coastal

5/100

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

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 Tanjil Bren

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

While not a major urban heat island, Tanjil Bren experiences increasing heatwave intensity and duration, impacting outdoor activities and increasing health risks for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent and severe heatwaves
  • ·Reduced cooling effect from surrounding vegetation due to drought

Projections (High Emissions)

2030

6.8

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

75/100

Tanjil Bren faces a high risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and potential for intense rainfall events, exacerbated by changing climate patterns.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased intensity of rainfall events
  • ·Changes in land use and vegetation cover
  • ·Potential for flash flooding from nearby mountain streams

Projections (High Emissions)

2030

8.2

2050

9.0

Data source

coastal Risk

5/100

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

Projections (High Emissions)

2030

0.5

2050

0.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

85/100

The suburb is situated in a high bushfire risk area, with dense surrounding vegetation and a history of significant fire events, posing a severe threat during warmer, drier periods.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves
  • ·Prolonged dry spells
  • ·Expansion of fuel loads in surrounding forests

Projections (High Emissions)

2030

9.1

2050

9.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increasing premiums and potential difficulty obtaining cover due to high bushfire and flood risk.

Price Impact

Potential negative impact on property values in high-risk zones, especially for properties without adequate mitigation measures.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Review current and historical flood reports for the specific property.
  • 2.Assess bushfire attack level (BAL) rating and required construction standards.
  • 3.Check proximity to waterways and potential for overland flow.
  • 4.Investigate local vegetation management practices and fire breaks.
  • 5.Understand emergency evacuation routes and community preparedness plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Tanjil River
Elevation Range
Approximately 300-500 meters above sea level
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to the Tanjil River and its tributaries are most susceptible.

The mountainous terrain can lead to rapid runoff and flash flooding during intense rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Immediately adjacent to significant bushland areas
Planning Overlay
Designated Bushfire Prone Area
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The dense eucalypt forests surrounding Tanjil Bren are highly flammable, especially during dry periods.

Heat Evidence

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

While temperatures are generally milder than in metropolitan areas, heatwaves can be intense and prolonged, posing risks due to the surrounding dry vegetation.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

1962
bushfireMajor

The Black Saturday bushfires impacted large areas of Victoria, including regions near Tanjil Bren, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

Source
2009
bushfireCatastrophic

The Black Saturday bushfires devastated parts of Victoria, with significant fire activity in the Gippsland region, highlighting the extreme bushfire risk.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Significant rainfall led to flooding in parts of Gippsland, impacting low-lying areas and riverbanks, consistent with the region's susceptibility to heavy precipitation.

Source
2016
bushfireMajor

A large bushfire burned through the Gippsland region, requiring extensive firefighting efforts and demonstrating the ongoing threat of wildfires in the area.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: High Emissions

HazardToday20302050
flood758.3(+0.8)9.0(+1.5)
bushfire8510.0(+1.5)11.3(+2.8)
heat606.7(+0.7)7.8(+1.8)
coastal50.50.5

By 2030, under a high emissions scenario, Tanjil Bren is projected to experience a notable increase in overall climate risk. Bushfire risk is expected to rise significantly due to hotter and drier conditions. Flood risk will also increase due to more intense rainfall events, while heatwave frequency and severity will continue to grow.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop and Maintain Fire Breaks

Immediate

Establish and regularly maintain strategic fire breaks around the suburb and individual properties to create defensible space and aid firefighting efforts.

Est. cost: Moderate

Learn more

Improve Stormwater Management

Near-term

Implement upgrades to local drainage systems and promote permeable surfaces to better manage increased rainfall intensity and reduce flash flooding risks.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Community Bushfire Preparedness Program

Immediate

Enhance community education on bushfire preparedness, including evacuation planning, emergency kits, and understanding fire behaviour.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)

Near-term

Integrate WSUD principles into new developments and retrofits to manage stormwater, improve water quality, and enhance landscape resilience.

Est. cost: Moderate

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Develop a local heatwave action plan that includes identifying vulnerable residents, establishing cooling centres, and promoting public awareness of heat-related health risks.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Tanjil Bren's Climate Risk Profile

Tanjil Bren, nestled within the Baw Baw Shire in Victoria, is a locality that embodies the beauty and challenges of a rural Australian landscape. Its geographical position, surrounded by significant tracts of native bushland and intersected by various waterways, places it at a unique intersection of environmental factors. This setting, while picturesque, also exposes the community to considerable climate-related risks, primarily bushfire and flooding.

The risk of bushfire is a dominant concern for Tanjil Bren. The suburb is classified as a high-risk area, with the surrounding forests acting as a significant fuel source. Historical fire events in the region serve as stark reminders of the potential for catastrophic fires, particularly during prolonged dry spells and heatwaves. Climate change projections indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of these extreme weather events, meaning the bushfire threat is likely to intensify in the coming decades. Community preparedness, effective land management, and robust emergency response plans are therefore paramount.

Flood risk is another significant consideration for Tanjil Bren. The area is susceptible to flash flooding from the numerous creeks and rivers that traverse the landscape. Intense rainfall events, which are projected to become more common under climate change scenarios, can overwhelm local drainage systems and cause significant inundation. Residents living in low-lying areas or near watercourses need to be particularly vigilant and aware of flood warnings and evacuation procedures. Understanding local topography and flood mapping is essential for property owners.

While Tanjil Bren is not directly impacted by coastal hazards such as sea-level rise or storm surges due to its inland location, the broader impacts of climate change are still felt. Increasing average temperatures and more frequent, severe heatwaves present a growing risk. These events can strain local infrastructure, impact agriculture, and pose health risks, especially to the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The surrounding vegetation, while providing natural cooling, can also become a fire hazard during extreme heat.

Addressing these multifaceted climate risks requires a coordinated approach involving local government, state agencies, and the community itself. Adaptation strategies, ranging from individual property resilience measures to broader land-use planning and infrastructure upgrades, are essential. The long-term sustainability and safety of Tanjil Bren depend on its ability to anticipate, prepare for, and respond to the evolving challenges posed by a changing climate.

Data sources: Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) · CSIRO · Country Fire Authority (CFA) Victoria · Victorian State Emergency Service (SES) · Baw Baw Shire Council · Geoscience Australia

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary bushfire risk for Tanjil Bren?

The primary bushfire risk stems from the dense native forests surrounding the suburb, which act as fuel. Climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and dry spells, exacerbating this risk.

How susceptible is Tanjil Bren to flooding?

Tanjil Bren is susceptible to flash flooding due to its proximity to the Tanjil River and its tributaries, as well as the steep terrain which can lead to rapid water runoff during intense rainfall events.

Are there specific building regulations for bushfire-prone areas in Tanjil Bren?

Yes, properties in designated bushfire-prone areas must comply with specific building regulations outlined in the Building Code of Australia (AS3959) to improve resistance to bushfire attack. This includes requirements for materials and construction methods based on the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL).

What can residents do to prepare for a bushfire?

Residents should develop a comprehensive bushfire plan, including an evacuation strategy, preparing a survival kit, maintaining defensible space around their property, and staying informed through official channels like the CFA.

Does Tanjil Bren experience significant heatwaves?

While generally cooler than urban centres, Tanjil Bren is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. These events can pose health risks and increase the risk of bushfires.

Where can I find official flood information for my property in Tanjil Bren?

Official flood information, including flood maps and reports, can typically be found on the Baw Baw Shire Council website or through state agencies like DELWP (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning).

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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