Climate Risk in Capel, WA
Capel faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, potentially impacting property values and community well-being. Residents should take steps to prepare for these challenges.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Capel
Flood
Capel faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially exacerbating flood events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Capel has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry summers and strong winds contribute to the potential for bushfires. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Drier vegetation
Heat
Capel is experiencing an increase in the number of hot days and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to further increase average temperatures, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Capel faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise and storm surges. Coastal erosion and inundation could impact infrastructure and properties near the coast.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge intensity
Wind
Moderate wind risk — winter storms
Storm
Moderate storm risk — occasional severe thunderstorms
Social
Moderate social stability
Energy
Moderate energy costs — cooling demand in summer
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Capel
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Capel is experiencing an increase in the number of hot days and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to further increase average temperatures, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.0
2050
6.8
flood Risk
Capel faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially exacerbating flood events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Inadequate drainage infrastructure
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
5.0
2050
5.8
coastal Risk
Capel faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise and storm surges. Coastal erosion and inundation could impact infrastructure and properties near the coast.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge intensity
- ·Coastal erosion
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
5.5
2050
6.2
bushfire Risk
Capel has a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry summers and strong winds contribute to the potential for bushfires. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Drier vegetation
- ·Stronger winds
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.5
2050
7.2
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise.
- 4.Review insurance options and costs.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Capel River
- Elevation Range
- 5-20 meters
- Flood Zone
- Areas near the Capel River are prone to flooding.
Historical flood data indicates that areas along the Capel River have experienced flooding in the past.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Adjacent to large areas of bushland.
- Planning Overlay
- DFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
The area is designated as a bushfire-prone area due to the presence of flammable vegetation.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 32.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 3 days
The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the future.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 10 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Low-lying coastal areas are vulnerable to sea level rise.
- Erosion Risk
- Moderate erosion risk along the coastline.
Historical Climate Events
Climate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 45 | 4.8(+0.3) | 5.2(+0.7) |
| bushfire | 60 | 6.4(+0.4) | 6.9(+0.9) |
| heat | 55 | 6.1(+0.6) | 6.6(+1.1) |
| coastal | 50 | 5.2(+0.2) | 5.5(+0.5) |
By 2030, Capel is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and bushfire intensity. Flooding risk will also increase due to more intense rainfall events.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreBushfire Mitigation Measures
ImmediateImplement bushfire mitigation measures such as controlled burns, vegetation management, and community education programs.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreHeatwave Preparedness Plan
Near-termDevelop and implement a heatwave preparedness plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCoastal Protection Measures
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures such as seawalls, dune restoration, and managed retreat to address sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Est. cost: Very High
Learn moreCommunity Awareness Programs
Near-termEducate the community about climate change risks and adaptation strategies.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Capel's Climate Risk Profile
Capel, Western Australia, is a region that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The area faces a combination of threats, including increased flooding, more frequent and intense bushfires, rising temperatures, and coastal hazards.
Flooding is a significant concern for Capel, particularly in low-lying areas near waterways. Climate change is projected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flood events. This can damage property, disrupt infrastructure, and pose risks to human safety.
Bushfires are another major threat to Capel. The surrounding bushland creates a high risk of bushfires, especially during the hot, dry summer months. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather, making it even more challenging to manage and control bushfires.
Rising temperatures and heatwaves are also becoming more common in Capel. Climate change is driving up average temperatures, leading to more hot days and heatwaves. This can have significant impacts on human health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
Finally, Capel faces risks from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges. These hazards can lead to coastal erosion, inundation of low-lying areas, and damage to infrastructure and properties near the coast. Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from government, businesses, and individuals.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES
Local Government Resources
Shire of Capel
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing Capel?
Capel faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards, all of which are expected to be exacerbated by climate change.
How is the Shire of Capel addressing climate change?
The Shire of Capel is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including improving drainage infrastructure and promoting bushfire preparedness.
What can residents do to prepare for climate change impacts?
Residents can take steps to prepare for climate change impacts by checking flood maps, clearing vegetation around their homes, and developing a heatwave preparedness plan.
Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Capel?
You can find more information about climate change risks in Capel on the Shire of Capel website, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.
Are insurance premiums likely to increase in Capel due to climate change?
Yes, insurance premiums may increase in Capel due to the increased risk of flooding, bushfires, and other climate-related hazards.
How will sea level rise affect Capel?
Sea level rise is expected to exacerbate coastal erosion and inundation in low-lying coastal areas of Capel, potentially impacting properties and infrastructure.
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 Capel, use our analysis tool.
Other Suburbs in Western Australia
Check Your flood Risk Now
Check Capel's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.
What A$69 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections