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Climate Risk Profile: Westmere, VIC

Westmere, Victoria· Pyrenees Shire· 3351
Medium Risk
Updated June 2026

Westmere faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with a lower risk from bushfires. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly flooding and heat. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Westmere

increasing

Flood

65/100

Westmere faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Poor drainage infrastructure
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The area around Westmere has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

60/100

Westmere is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Westmere is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or 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 Westmere

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

Westmere is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Westmere faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Poor drainage infrastructure
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Westmere is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The area around Westmere has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding grasslands and bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review bushfire risk and mitigation measures.
  • 4.Understand council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Mount Emu Creek
Elevation Range
220-250m
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near Mount Emu Creek

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the creek. Council maintains drainage infrastructure, but upgrades may be needed to cope with increased rainfall intensity.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 2km of significant bushland
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Management Overlay (BMO) may apply to some properties
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Check with the local council to determine if your property is in a designated bushfire prone area. Regular property maintenance is essential to reduce bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the coming decades. Consider installing air conditioning or other cooling measures.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Major flooding along Mount Emu Creek affected several properties in Westmere.

Source
2009
heatwaveMajor

Record-breaking heatwave across Victoria, including Westmere, resulted in heat-related illnesses and infrastructure damage.

Source
2015
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Westmere caused property damage and road closures.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions impacted Westmere, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several days.

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)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.4(+0.4)
heat606.8(+0.8)7.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Westmere is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a heightened risk of flooding due to more extreme rainfall events. Bushfire risk will also slightly increase. Coastal risks remain negligible.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in improved drainage infrastructure and flood barriers to protect properties from increasing flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Preparedness Plan

Immediate

Implement a community heatwave preparedness plan, including cooling centers and outreach to vulnerable residents.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Mitigation

Long-term

Implement stricter building codes for new developments in bushfire-prone areas and promote property maintenance to reduce fuel loads.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water stress during periods of drought and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Westmere's Climate Risk Profile

Westmere, Victoria, is a rural locality that faces a number of climate-related challenges. The primary concerns are increasing flood risk due to more intense rainfall events and rising temperatures leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves.

The area's proximity to waterways makes it susceptible to flooding, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity of these rainfall events, further elevating the flood risk. Residents should be aware of flood warnings and have a plan in place to protect their property and ensure their safety.

Heatwaves are also a growing concern for Westmere. As temperatures rise, the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses increases, particularly for vulnerable populations. It is important to stay hydrated, seek shelter in cool places, and check on elderly neighbors during heatwaves.

While bushfire risk is present, it is not as significant as the risks from flooding and heatwaves. However, residents should still be aware of the potential for bushfires and take steps to reduce their risk, such as maintaining their property and having a bushfire survival plan.

Overall, Westmere needs to adapt to the changing climate by investing in flood mitigation measures, implementing heatwave preparedness plans, and promoting community awareness of climate risks.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SES Victoria · EMV Victoria · Pyrenees Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Pyrenees Shire Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Westmere?

The main climate risks are increasing flood risk due to more intense rainfall events and rising temperatures leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves. There is also a moderate risk of bushfires.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The Pyrenees Shire Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to address the risks facing the community. Check their website for more information.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves?

Stay hydrated, seek shelter in cool places, check on elderly neighbors, and follow advice from health authorities.

How can I protect my property from flooding?

Check flood maps, ensure proper drainage, consider installing flood barriers, and have an emergency plan in place.

Is my property in a bushfire-prone area?

Contact the Pyrenees Shire Council to determine if your property is in a designated bushfire-prone area. Follow their guidelines for property maintenance and bushfire preparedness.

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 Westmere, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Westmere →

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