Climate Risk in Werribee South, Victoria

Werribee South, Victoria· Wyndham· 3030
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Werribee South is a coastal suburb facing increasing risks from climate change. The primary concerns are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
5.5

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Werribee South

increasing

Flood

65/100

Werribee South faces a notable risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Werribee River. Increased rainfall intensity and sea-level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
increasing

Bushfire

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Werribee South is relatively low due to the limited vegetation and coastal environment. However, hotter and drier conditions could increase the potential for grassfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

60/100

Werribee South is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
increasing

Coastal

55/100

As a coastal suburb, Werribee South is vulnerable to sea-level rise and coastal erosion. This could impact infrastructure, property, and natural ecosystems.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Coastal erosion
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 Werribee South

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Werribee South is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Werribee South faces a notable risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Werribee River. Increased rainfall intensity and sea-level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.8

Data source

coastal Risk

55/100

As a coastal suburb, Werribee South is vulnerable to sea-level rise and coastal erosion. This could impact infrastructure, property, and natural ecosystems.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Coastal erosion
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.2

2050

7.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Werribee South is relatively low due to the limited vegetation and coastal environment. However, hotter and drier conditions could increase the potential for grassfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Grassland fire risk

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to flood and coastal risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider coastal erosion risks.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Werribee River
Elevation Range
0-10 meters
Flood Zone
Likely

Historical flood events have impacted low-lying areas near the Werribee River.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5 km to nearest grassland
Planning Overlay
No significant bushfire overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
No

Grassfires are a potential concern during dry periods.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
29°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves can place a strain on local infrastructure and emergency services.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Moderate
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Major flooding along the Werribee River impacted low-lying areas of Werribee South.

Source
2009
heatwaveMajor

The 2009 heatwave resulted in record temperatures and increased heat-related illnesses in the region.

Source
2018
stormModerate

Severe storms caused flash flooding and property damage in Werribee South.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire303.3(+0.3)3.5(+0.5)
heat606.8(+0.8)7.5(+1.5)
coastal556.2(+0.7)6.7(+1.2)

By 2030, Werribee South is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, increased coastal erosion, and a higher risk of flooding.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Construct seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against erosion and sea-level rise.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

Encourage residents and businesses to conserve water to reduce strain on water resources during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Werribee South's Climate Risk Profile

Werribee South, located on the coast of Victoria, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying geography makes it particularly susceptible to flooding from both riverine and coastal sources. Sea-level rise and more intense rainfall events are projected to exacerbate these risks, potentially impacting homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Heatwaves are also a growing concern for Werribee South. Rising average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events can pose significant health risks, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The urban environment can further amplify these effects, creating urban heat islands.

Coastal erosion is another significant threat to Werribee South. Sea-level rise and increased storm surges can erode coastlines, damage property, and threaten natural ecosystems. Protecting coastal areas through appropriate planning and adaptation measures is crucial.

Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from residents, businesses, and local government. Implementing adaptation strategies, such as improving drainage infrastructure, promoting water conservation, and developing emergency response plans, can help Werribee South build resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · EMV

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Werribee South?

The main risks are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to sea-level rise.

How will climate change affect property values in Werribee South?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions, while those in safer locations may see increased demand.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Werribee South?

Wyndham City Council is implementing various adaptation measures, including improving drainage infrastructure and developing a heatwave management plan.

How can residents prepare for heatwaves in Werribee South?

Residents can stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

What should I do if my property is affected by flooding in Werribee South?

Contact the State Emergency Service (SES) for assistance and follow their advice. Also, check your insurance policy for flood coverage.

Get your property's risk report

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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