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Climate Risk in Bunbury, Western Australia

Bunbury, Western Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Bunbury faces a range of climate-related risks, including flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change. Residents and businesses should take steps to prepare for these challenges.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.2
Heat
7.1
Coastal
5.4

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Bunbury

increasing

Flood

65/100

Bunbury faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Preston River and Leschenault Estuary. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are expected to exacerbate these risks.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

42/100

Bunbury has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland and dry vegetation during the summer months. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

71/100

Bunbury is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
increasing

Coastal

54/100

Bunbury is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surge. This poses a threat to coastal infrastructure, properties, and ecosystems.

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 Bunbury

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

71/100

Bunbury is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.6

2050

8.1

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Bunbury faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Preston River and Leschenault Estuary. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are expected to exacerbate these risks.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

54/100

Bunbury is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surge. This poses a threat to coastal infrastructure, properties, and ecosystems.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.9

2050

6.4

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

Bunbury has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland and dry vegetation during the summer months. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in areas at high risk of flooding, bushfire, or coastal erosion.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to climate change impacts.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area maps.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal erosion and sea level rise.
  • 3.Inquire about the property's insurance history and potential premium increases.
  • 4.Consider the property's energy efficiency and potential for solar power.
  • 5.Review the City of Bunbury's climate change adaptation plan.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Preston River and Leschenault Estuary
Elevation Range
0-20 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near the Preston River and Leschenault Estuary are prone to flooding.

The City of Bunbury has implemented flood mitigation measures, such as drainage improvements and levee construction.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas to the east and south.
Planning Overlay
DFES Bushfire Prone Areas Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents in bushfire-prone areas are advised to prepare a bushfire survival plan and maintain their properties to reduce the risk of fire.

Heat Evidence

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

The City of Bunbury has implemented a heatwave plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

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 along certain sections of the Bunbury coastline.

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Bunbury, affecting homes and businesses.

Source
2015
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Bunbury threatened homes and required the evacuation of residents.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Bunbury experienced a prolonged heatwave with record-breaking temperatures, putting strain on infrastructure and public health services.

Source
2022
stormModerate

A severe storm caused damage to homes and infrastructure in Bunbury, with strong winds and heavy rainfall.

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)
bushfire424.7(+0.5)5.2(+1.0)
heat717.6(+0.5)8.1(+1.0)
coastal545.9(+0.5)6.4(+1.0)

By 2030, Bunbury is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with higher temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, and increased risk of flooding and coastal erosion.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement coastal protection measures

Long-term

Construct seawalls and other coastal protection structures to protect against sea level rise and storm surge.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a heatwave plan

Immediate

Implement a heatwave plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote bushfire preparedness

Near-term

Educate residents about bushfire safety and encourage them to prepare their properties for bushfires.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Invest in renewable energy

Long-term

Transition to renewable energy sources to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Bunbury's Climate Risk Profile

Bunbury is a coastal city located in Western Australia, approximately 175 kilometers south of Perth. The city is situated on the coast of the Indian Ocean and is surrounded by the Leschenault Estuary and the Preston River.

Climate change is projected to have a significant impact on Bunbury, with increasing temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, changes in rainfall patterns, and sea level rise. These changes will exacerbate existing climate-related risks, such as flooding, bushfires, and coastal erosion.

Flooding is a major concern for Bunbury, particularly in low-lying coastal areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are expected to increase the frequency and severity of flooding events. Bushfires are also a risk, particularly during the dry summer months. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Heatwaves are projected to become more frequent and intense in Bunbury, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Sea level rise is also a threat, potentially leading to coastal erosion and inundation of low-lying areas. It is crucial for the community to adapt to these changes.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

City of Bunbury

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Bunbury?

Bunbury faces a range of climate change risks, including flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How is the City of Bunbury preparing for climate change?

The City of Bunbury is developing and implementing a climate change adaptation plan to address the risks posed by climate change. This plan includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve resilience to extreme weather events, and protect vulnerable populations.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change?

Residents can take a number of steps to prepare for climate change, such as improving the energy efficiency of their homes, reducing their water consumption, preparing for extreme weather events, and supporting local climate action initiatives.

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

You can find more information about climate change in Bunbury on the City of Bunbury website, the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.

Is my property at risk of flooding in Bunbury?

Properties near the Preston River and Leschenault Estuary are at higher risk of flooding. Check the City of Bunbury's flood maps to assess your property's risk.

What should I do during a heatwave in Bunbury?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

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$300B+
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30-120%
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*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

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