Climate Risk in Bayswater, Western Australia

Bayswater, Western Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Bayswater faces a moderate climate risk, primarily driven by increasing heatwave frequency and potential flooding from the Swan River. While bushfire and coastal risks are low, residents should prepare for hotter summers and potential disruptions from extreme weather events.

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 Bayswater

increasing

Flood

65/100

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

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Rising river levels
stable

Bushfire

30/100

Bayswater has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban environment and distance from dense bushland. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves could pose a localized threat during extreme heat events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Extreme heat events
increasing

Heat

70/100

Bayswater is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a significant 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

Bayswater is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from the coast
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 Bayswater

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Rising river levels
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Bayswater is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Bayswater has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban environment and distance from dense bushland. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves could pose a localized threat during extreme heat events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Extreme heat events
  • ·Windy conditions

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

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.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

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 occurred in Bayswater, particularly in areas close to the Swan River. The council provides information on flood risks and preparedness measures.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5km to nearest significant bushland
Planning Overlay
DFES Bushfire Prone Areas Map
Bushfire Prone Area
No

While not a high-risk area, residents should maintain their properties to minimize fire hazards.

Heat Evidence

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

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the coming years.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Bayswater, particularly in areas near the Swan River.

Source
2011
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Bayswater, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several days.

Source
2017
stormMinor

A severe storm caused minor damage to property in Bayswater due to strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.0(+0.5)
bushfire303.1(+0.1)3.2(+0.2)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Bayswater is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, with a slight increase in flood risk. Bushfire and coastal risks remain relatively stable.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, such as improved drainage systems and flood barriers.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Heat Action Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Increase Urban Greenery

Long-term

Increase urban greenery to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade and cooling.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

Promote water conservation measures to reduce water demand and ensure water security during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Bayswater's Climate Risk Profile

Bayswater, located in Western Australia, is projected to experience significant impacts from climate change. The primary risks include increased heatwave frequency and intensity, as well as potential flooding from the Swan River due to increased rainfall and rising river levels.

The suburb's proximity to the Swan River makes it vulnerable to flooding, particularly in low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to higher river levels and a greater risk of inundation. Residents and businesses should be aware of flood risks and take appropriate precautions.

Heatwaves are also a growing concern for Bayswater. As global temperatures rise, the suburb is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect could further exacerbate these conditions.

While bushfire risk is relatively low due to the suburb's urban environment, dry vegetation in parks and reserves could pose a localized threat during extreme heat events. It is important to maintain vegetation and be aware of fire risks during hot and windy conditions.

Coastal risks are minimal due to Bayswater's inland location. However, the broader region may experience coastal impacts, which could indirectly affect the suburb through economic and social disruptions.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Bayswater?

The main climate change risks for Bayswater are increased heatwave frequency and intensity, as well as potential flooding from the Swan River.

How will climate change affect property values in Bayswater?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value. It's important to check flood maps and insurance costs.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The City of Bayswater is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Bayswater?

Stay hydrated, seek shade, and check on vulnerable neighbors. The council may provide cooling centers during extreme heat events.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Bayswater?

You can find more information about flood risks on the City of Bayswater website and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website.

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