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Climate Risk Assessment for Denham, WA

Denham, Western Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Denham faces a range of climate-related risks, with coastal hazards and heat posing the most significant threats. Sea level rise and increasing temperatures are expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense heatwaves and potential coastal inundation.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
8.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Denham

increasing

Flood

40/100

Denham faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
stable

Bushfire

30/100

The risk of bushfires in Denham is relatively low due to the sparse vegetation in the immediate vicinity. However, surrounding areas with denser vegetation pose a potential threat.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Denham experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months, leading to a significant heat risk. This is expected to worsen with climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
increasing

Coastal

80/100

Denham is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards due to its low-lying coastal location. Sea level rise and storm surges pose a significant threat to infrastructure and property.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Denham

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

70/100

Denham experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months, leading to a significant heat risk. This is expected to worsen with climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.5

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Denham faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

80/100

Denham is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards due to its low-lying coastal location. Sea level rise and storm surges pose a significant threat to infrastructure and property.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.5

2050

9.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The risk of bushfires in Denham is relatively low due to the sparse vegetation in the immediate vicinity. However, surrounding areas with denser vegetation pose a potential threat.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to coastal and heat risks.

Price Impact

Properties closer to the coast may experience price reductions due to increased risk of inundation.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion risk assessments.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Shark Bay
Elevation Range
0-10m
Flood Zone
Coastal Inundation Zone

Low-lying areas near the coast are most vulnerable to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5km
Planning Overlay
DFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas to the east of Denham are designated as bushfire prone.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
35°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Heatwaves are common during the summer months.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

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

Source
2015
heatwaveMajor

A prolonged heatwave resulted in record-breaking temperatures and heat stress in Denham.

Source
2018
coastalMinor

A storm surge caused minor coastal erosion and inundation in Denham.

Source
2022
heatwaveModerate

Several days of extreme heat impacted Denham, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
coastal808.8(+0.8)9.5(+1.5)

By 2030, Denham is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk. Coastal hazards will become more pronounced due to sea level rise, and heatwaves will become more frequent and intense.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Coastal Protection Measures

Near-term

Implement coastal protection measures such as seawalls and beach nourishment to reduce the impact of sea level rise and storm surges.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness Plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave preparedness plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Sustainable Water Management

Long-term

Implement sustainable water management practices to conserve water resources and reduce the impact of drought.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Risk Mitigation

Near-term

Implement bushfire risk mitigation measures such as vegetation management and fire breaks to protect properties from bushfires.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Conduct community awareness programs to educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

About Denham's Climate Risk Profile

Denham, located in the Shark Bay region of Western Australia, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its coastal location and arid climate.

Sea level rise poses a major threat to Denham, with potential for increased coastal erosion and inundation of low-lying areas. Storm surges, exacerbated by rising sea levels, could cause significant damage to infrastructure and property along the coastline. The town's proximity to the coast makes it highly susceptible to these hazards.

Rising temperatures are another significant concern for Denham. The region already experiences high temperatures during the summer months, and these are projected to increase further with climate change. This could lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to human health and placing strain on infrastructure.

While bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other regions in Western Australia, the surrounding areas with denser vegetation still pose a potential threat. Changes in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures could increase the risk of bushfires in these areas, potentially impacting Denham.

Adapting to these climate change impacts will be crucial for Denham. This includes implementing coastal protection measures, improving heatwave preparedness, and managing bushfire risk in surrounding areas. Sustainable planning and development practices will also be essential to ensure the long-term resilience of the town.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES · Department of Transport WA

Local Government Resources

Shire of Shark Bay

Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Denham?

Denham is primarily at risk from sea level rise, coastal erosion, and increasing temperatures. These factors can lead to coastal inundation, damage to infrastructure, and heat stress.

How will sea level rise affect Denham?

Sea level rise is expected to increase the frequency and severity of coastal flooding in Denham, potentially inundating low-lying areas and damaging coastal infrastructure.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?

Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. It's also important to have a heatwave preparedness plan in place.

Is Denham at risk of bushfires?

While the immediate vicinity of Denham has sparse vegetation, surrounding areas with denser vegetation pose a potential bushfire risk. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have a plan in place.

What is the local council doing to address climate change?

The Shire of Shark Bay is responsible for managing coastal erosion and implementing emergency management plans. Contact the council for more information on their climate change initiatives.

Where can I find more information about coastal erosion in Denham?

You can find information about coastal erosion from the Department of Transport WA's coastal planning resources and the Shire of Shark Bay.

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