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Climate Risk Assessment for Bassendean, WA

Bassendean, Western Australia· Town of Bassendean· 6054
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Bassendean faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to the Swan River increases flood vulnerability, while rising temperatures will likely lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves. Coastal risks are minimal.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Bassendean

increasing

Flood

65/100

Bassendean faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Swan River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Rising river levels
stable

Bushfire

30/100

Bushfire risk in Bassendean is relatively low due to the urbanized nature of the suburb, but some areas near parks and reserves could be vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation
increasing

Heat

70/100

Bassendean is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect may amplify temperatures.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risk is minimal in Bassendean due to its distance from the coast. Sea level rise is not expected to have a direct impact.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
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 Bassendean

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

Bassendean is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect may amplify temperatures.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Bassendean faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Swan River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Rising river levels
  • ·Urban development reducing natural drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risk is minimal in Bassendean due to its distance from the coast. Sea level rise is not expected to have a direct impact.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Bushfire risk in Bassendean is relatively low due to the urbanized nature of the suburb, but some areas near parks and reserves could be vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in flood-prone areas.

Price Impact

Properties in flood zones may experience some price impact.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.
  • 4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Swan River
Elevation Range
5-15 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near the Swan River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the Swan River. The council has implemented some mitigation measures, but further upgrades may be needed.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Some areas are adjacent to small reserves and parks.
Planning Overlay
DFES Bushfire Prone Areas Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

While not a high-risk area, residents should maintain their properties to reduce fuel loads.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The urban heat island effect can increase temperatures by several degrees in built-up areas.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
12 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Minimal direct exposure
Erosion Risk
No significant erosion risk

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas near the Swan River.

Source
2011
stormMinor

A severe storm brought strong winds and heavy rain to Bassendean, causing minor property damage.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses.

Source
2022
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas near the Swan River.

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)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Bassendean is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by more frequent and intense heatwaves and increased flood risk. Bushfire risk is expected to increase slightly, while coastal risks remain minimal.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood barriers in vulnerable areas.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Long-term

Implement bushfire management strategies in areas bordering bushland, including fuel reduction and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Green Infrastructure Expansion

Long-term

Increase green spaces and tree canopy cover to mitigate the urban heat island effect and improve stormwater management.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Bassendean's Climate Risk Profile

Bassendean, located in Western Australia, is susceptible to several climate change impacts. The most significant risk is flooding, driven by increased rainfall intensity and the suburb's location near the Swan River. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable, and urban development may exacerbate drainage issues.

Heatwaves are another growing concern for Bassendean. Rising average temperatures and the urban heat island effect will likely lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other areas in Western Australia, but some areas bordering parks and reserves could be at risk. Dry vegetation and wind patterns can contribute to bushfire hazards during the dry season.

Coastal risks are minimal for Bassendean due to its distance from the coast. Sea level rise is not expected to have a direct impact on the suburb. However, changes in weather patterns could indirectly affect the region.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

Town of Bassendean

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Bassendean?

The main climate change risks for Bassendean are flooding due to its proximity to the Swan River and increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

How is the Town of Bassendean preparing for climate change?

The Town of Bassendean is developing climate adaptation strategies and working to improve drainage infrastructure and manage bushfire risks.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves in Bassendean?

Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.

Are there any flood maps available for Bassendean?

Yes, flood maps are available on the Town of Bassendean website, showing areas at risk of flooding.

What is the urban heat island effect, and how does it affect Bassendean?

The urban heat island effect is the phenomenon where urban areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to the concentration of buildings and paved surfaces. This can exacerbate heatwave conditions in Bassendean.

Where can I find information about bushfire safety in Bassendean?

Information about bushfire safety can be found on the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) website.

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