Climate Risk in Coral Bay, WA

Coral Bay, Western Australia· UNKNOWN· 6701
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Coral Bay faces a medium overall climate risk. The primary concerns are increasing heat, bushfire, and coastal hazards. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.2
Bushfire
6.5
Heat
7.1
Coastal
5.4

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.1/10

Coral Bay experiences high heat risk due to its location in a hot climate zone. Increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.6

2050

8.2

Data source

flood Risk

4.2/10

Coral Bay faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. The flat coastal terrain increases vulnerability.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.3

Data source

coastal Risk

5.4/10

Coral Bay is exposed to coastal risks, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to inundation.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.9

2050

6.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

6.5/10

The bushfire risk in Coral Bay is relatively high due to the surrounding scrubland and dry climate. Increased temperatures and prolonged dry periods exacerbate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Prolonged dry periods
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.1

2050

7.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risks of climate-related disasters.

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 designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal hazards.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Ningaloo Reef
Elevation Range
0-20m
Flood Zone
Coastal Flood Zone

Low-lying coastal areas are most vulnerable to flooding from storm surges and heavy rainfall.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
DFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is surrounded by scrubland, increasing the risk of bushfires.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
33.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Average January maximum temperature is increasing, leading to more frequent heat stress events.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2010
stormModerate

A severe storm caused coastal erosion and minor flooding in Coral Bay.

Source
2015
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress and increased demand for water and energy.

Source
2018
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas of Coral Bay.

Source
2021
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Coral Bay threatened properties and required emergency response efforts.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday2030205020302050
flood4.24.4(+0.2)4.6(+0.4)4.5(+0.3)4.9(+0.7)
bushfire6.56.9(+0.4)7.3(+0.8)7.1(+0.6)7.8(+1.3)
heat7.17.6(+0.5)8.0(+0.9)7.8(+0.7)8.5(+1.4)
coastal5.45.5(+0.1)5.7(+0.3)5.6(+0.2)5.9(+0.5)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Coral Bay is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with heat and bushfire risks increasing more significantly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a comprehensive coastal management plan

Near-term

Implement strategies to protect coastal areas from sea level rise and erosion, including beach nourishment and dune stabilization.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Improve bushfire preparedness

Immediate

Implement measures to reduce bushfire risk, such as vegetation management, firebreaks, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance heatwave response

Near-term

Develop a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade infrastructure to withstand climate impacts

Long-term

Ensure that new and existing infrastructure is designed to withstand the impacts of climate change, such as increased flooding and extreme heat.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Near-term

Implement measures to reduce water consumption, such as water-efficient appliances and drought-resistant landscaping.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Coral Bay's Climate Risk Profile

Coral Bay, located in Western Australia, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is projected to experience rising temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and sea level rise, all of which contribute to increased risks from various hazards.

Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing a significant threat to human health and infrastructure. The risk of bushfires is also projected to increase due to hotter, drier conditions, potentially impacting properties and natural ecosystems.

Coastal hazards, such as sea level rise and storm surges, threaten low-lying areas and coastal infrastructure. Flooding from heavy rainfall events may also become more common, further exacerbating the risks.

Addressing these challenges requires proactive adaptation measures, including improved building standards, enhanced emergency preparedness, and sustainable land management practices. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change on Coral Bay.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Coral Bay?

Coral Bay faces increasing risks from heatwaves, bushfires, coastal erosion, and flooding due to climate change.

How will sea level rise affect Coral Bay?

Sea level rise will increase the risk of coastal inundation and erosion, potentially impacting low-lying areas and infrastructure.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?

Residents can stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

What measures are being taken to protect Coral Bay from bushfires?

Measures include vegetation management, firebreaks, and community education programs to reduce bushfire risk.

How can I find out if my property is in a flood-prone area?

Contact the local council or emergency services to obtain flood maps and information about flood risks in your area.

Is it safe to swim in the ocean after heavy rainfall?

It is generally not recommended to swim in the ocean immediately after heavy rainfall due to potential contamination from runoff.

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