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Climate Risk in Albany, Western Australia

Albany, Western Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Albany faces increasing risks from climate change, including flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are projected to worsen in the coming decades, impacting infrastructure, property values, and community health. Residents should prepare for these changes and take steps to mitigate their impact.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
5.5

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Albany

increasing

Flood

45/100

Albany faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and riverine flooding. Low-lying areas near the King River and other waterways are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Bushfire risk in Albany is relatively high due to the proximity of bushland areas and dry summers. The risk is exacerbated by increasing temperatures and prolonged drought conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drought conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Albany is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

55/100

Coastal erosion and inundation are growing concerns in Albany due to sea level rise. Low-lying coastal areas and infrastructure are at risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
stable

Wind

32/100

Moderate wind risk — winter storms

stable

Storm

28/100

Moderate storm risk — occasional severe thunderstorms

stable

Social

21/100

Moderate social stability

increasing

Energy

39/100

Moderate energy costs — cooling demand in summer

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Albany

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

70/100

Albany is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Albany faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and riverine flooding. Low-lying areas near the King River and other waterways are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

55/100

Coastal erosion and inundation are growing concerns in Albany due to sea level rise. Low-lying coastal areas and infrastructure are at risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.0

2050

6.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Bushfire risk in Albany is relatively high due to the proximity of bushland areas and dry summers. The risk is exacerbated by increasing temperatures and prolonged drought conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drought conditions
  • ·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in high-risk areas.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
  • 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property value and comfort.
  • 4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
King River
Elevation Range
0-100m
Flood Zone
Areas near King River and coastal regions

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

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland reserves
Planning Overlay
DFES Bushfire Prone Areas Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Many properties are located within or adjacent to designated bushfire prone areas.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, particularly during the summer months.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying coastal areas are vulnerable to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Coastal erosion is a concern in some areas.

Historical Climate Events

2017
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Albany, impacting homes and businesses.

Source
2015
bushfireModerate

Bushfires near Albany threatened properties and required evacuations.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave impacted Albany, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

Source
2007
stormModerate

A severe storm caused damage to property and infrastructure in Albany.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood454.8(+0.3)5.1(+0.6)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)
heat707.6(+0.6)8.0(+1.0)
coastal555.7(+0.2)6.0(+0.5)

By 2030, Albany is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and intensity, as well as a heightened risk of bushfires.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in flood defenses, such as levees and drainage improvements, to protect low-lying areas from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Reduce Bushfire Risk

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as fuel reduction burns and community education programs, to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Manage Heatwave Impacts

Near-term

Develop heatwave management plans and provide cooling centers for vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect Coastal Areas

Long-term

Implement coastal management strategies to protect coastal areas from erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Upgrade Infrastructure

Long-term

Upgrade infrastructure to withstand the impacts of climate change, such as more intense storms and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

About Albany's Climate Risk Profile

Albany, located on the southern coast of Western Australia, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves, prolonged drought conditions, and rising sea levels. These changes are exacerbating existing risks, such as flooding and bushfires, and creating new challenges for the community.

Flooding is a significant concern in Albany, particularly in low-lying areas near the King River and other waterways. Heavy rainfall events can cause flash flooding, damaging property and disrupting transportation. Sea level rise is also increasing the risk of coastal inundation, threatening coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.

Bushfire risk is also elevated in Albany due to the proximity of bushland areas and dry summers. Increasing temperatures and prolonged drought conditions are creating ideal conditions for bushfires to ignite and spread rapidly. These fires can pose a significant threat to lives and property.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Albany, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further exacerbate these risks in densely populated areas.

Coastal erosion is another growing concern in Albany due to sea level rise and increased storm activity. Low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to erosion, which can damage property and infrastructure.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES · City of Albany

Local Government Resources

City of Albany

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Albany?

Albany faces increasing risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to climate change.

How will climate change affect property values in Albany?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions due to increased climate risks.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding in Albany?

Consider installing flood barriers, improving drainage, and elevating vulnerable equipment.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Albany?

Stay hydrated, seek shade, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

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

Consult the City of Albany's website, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, and the Bureau of Meteorology.

Is Albany prepared for future climate change impacts?

The City of Albany is actively working on climate adaptation strategies, but more needs to be done to prepare for future impacts.

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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