Climate Risk in Windermere, Victoria

Windermere, Victoria· City of Ballarat· 3352

Medium Risk

Updated June 2026

Windermere faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly flooding and heatwaves. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense 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 Windermere

increasing

Flood

65/100

Windermere faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The area around Windermere has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

60/100

Windermere 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:

·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Windermere is not directly exposed to coastal 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 Windermere

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

Windermere 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

·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Windermere faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Inadequate drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Windermere is not directly exposed to coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The area around Windermere has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions
·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to increased flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property value and comfort.
4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related risks.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Yarrowee River
Elevation Range: 430-450m
Flood Zone: Areas near the Yarrowee River are prone to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Within 2km of significant bushland areas.
Planning Overlay: Bushfire Management Overlay may apply to some properties.
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 27.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 2 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 110 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable.
Erosion Risk: Not applicable.

Historical Climate Events

2010

floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in the Ballarat region, impacting properties near the Yarrowee River.

Source

2009

bushfireMajor

The Black Saturday bushfires impacted many parts of Victoria, highlighting the risk of bushfires in the region.

Source

2019

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Victoria, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius in Ballarat.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	65	7.0(+0.5)	7.5(+1.0)
bushfire	40	4.3(+0.3)	4.5(+0.5)
heat	60	6.7(+0.7)	7.2(+1.2)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Windermere is projected to experience an increase in flood and heatwave risk. Bushfire risk will also increase slightly. Adaptation measures are needed to mitigate these impacts.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Risk Mitigation

Near-term

Implement measures to reduce bushfire risk, such as fuel reduction and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Windermere's Climate Risk Profile

Windermere, Victoria, is a suburb that will be increasingly affected by climate change. The primary risks are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. Changes in rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures are expected to worsen these hazards.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the suburb's proximity to waterways. Increased rainfall intensity will likely lead to more frequent and severe flooding events, impacting properties and infrastructure. Residents should be aware of flood risks and take appropriate precautions.

Heatwaves are also a growing threat. As temperatures rise, Windermere will experience more days of extreme heat, posing health risks to vulnerable populations. It is important to have strategies in place to cope with heatwaves, such as staying hydrated and seeking cool environments.

Bushfire risk is moderate but should not be ignored. The surrounding vegetation creates a potential fuel load, and hotter, drier conditions increase the likelihood of bushfires. Residents should maintain their properties and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Overall, Windermere needs to adapt to the changing climate to protect its residents and infrastructure. This includes investing in flood mitigation measures, implementing heatwave response plans, and managing bushfire risks.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · EMV

Local Government Resources

City of Ballarat

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Windermere?

The main risks are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. These risks are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare for flooding in Windermere?

Check flood maps, maintain your property, and have an emergency plan in place.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay hydrated, seek cool environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

How can I reduce bushfire risk around my property?

Clear vegetation, maintain your property, and be aware of fire restrictions.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Ballarat?

Visit the City of Ballarat website or the Bureau of Meteorology website.

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 Windermere, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Windermere →

Other Suburbs in Victoria

Abbeyard52 Adams Estate55 Addington55 Aireys Inlet58 Alexandra58 Alfredton52 View all Victoria suburbs →

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Windermere'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

Get Your flood Risk Report — A$69

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