Climate Risk in Como, WA

Como, Western Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Como, WA, faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity are key concerns. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Como

increasing

Flood

60/100

Como faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from riverine sources. The proximity to the Swan River increases the potential for inundation during heavy rainfall events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

40/100

The risk of bushfire in Como is relatively low compared to other areas in Western Australia, but still present due to nearby vegetation. Hot, dry summers can increase the likelihood of fire.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Como is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect can exacerbate the impact.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urbanisation
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Located near the Swan River, Como faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges.

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 Como

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Como is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect can exacerbate the impact.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urbanisation
  • ·Reduced green space

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Como faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from riverine sources. The proximity to the Swan River increases the potential for inundation during heavy rainfall events.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Located near the Swan River, Como faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The risk of bushfire in Como is relatively low compared to other areas in Western Australia, but still present due to nearby vegetation. Hot, dry summers can increase the likelihood of fire.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased flood and storm 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 bushfire risk mitigation measures.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

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

Historical flood events have impacted properties close to the river. Improved drainage infrastructure is being planned.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 2km of remnant bushland areas.
Planning Overlay
DFES bushfire prone area map available.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain firebreaks and clear vegetation around their homes.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Urban heat island effect contributes to higher temperatures in built-up areas.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas near the river are vulnerable to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Some riverbank erosion is present.

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

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

Source
2011
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions led to increased hospital admissions.

Source
2017
stormMinor

Strong winds caused minor damage to property and power outages.

Source
2021
floodMinor

Localized flooding occurred after a period of intense rainfall.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday20302050
flood606.3(+0.3)6.7(+0.7)
bushfire404.1(+0.1)4.3(+0.3)
heat707.6(+0.6)8.5(+1.5)
coastal505.2(+0.2)5.5(+0.5)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Como is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with heatwaves posing the greatest threat.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

Implement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Riverbank Protection

Long-term

Implement measures to prevent coastal erosion and protect properties near the Swan River.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Educate residents about bushfire risks and encourage them to prepare their properties.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Como's Climate Risk Profile

Como, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's proximity to the Swan River makes it particularly susceptible to flooding, with rising sea levels and more intense rainfall events exacerbating the risk. Heatwaves are also a growing concern, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Bushfire risk, while lower than in some other parts of WA, remains a threat, particularly during the hot, dry summer months. Coastal erosion and inundation are also potential hazards, although the immediate impact is less pronounced than flooding and heatwaves.

The local council is developing strategies to mitigate these risks, including improving drainage infrastructure, implementing heatwave management plans, and promoting bushfire preparedness. However, individual residents also need to take steps to protect themselves and their properties.

Climate projections indicate that these risks will continue to increase in the coming decades. By 2030 and 2050, Como is likely to experience more frequent and severe flooding, longer and hotter heatwaves, and increased coastal erosion. It is crucial that the community adapts to these changes to ensure a sustainable future.

Understanding these risks and taking proactive measures is essential for protecting property values and ensuring the safety and well-being of residents. Staying informed about local climate action plans and emergency preparedness guidelines is highly recommended.

Addressing climate change impacts in Como requires a collaborative effort between local government, community organizations, and individual residents. By working together, the community can build resilience and adapt to the challenges ahead.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Como?

The main risks are flooding from the Swan River, heatwaves, and bushfire risk from nearby bushland.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The City of South Perth is developing climate adaptation strategies and improving drainage infrastructure.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

How can I protect my property from flooding?

Check flood maps, ensure adequate insurance coverage, and consider flood-proofing measures.

Where can I find more information about bushfire preparedness?

Visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) website for guidelines and resources.

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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