Climate Risk in Derby, Western Australia

Derby, Western Australia

High Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Derby, WA, faces significant climate risks, particularly from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. The town's low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Fitzroy River make it highly susceptible to flooding, while rising temperatures exacerbate heat stress. Sea level rise also poses a threat to coastal areas.

Overall Risk Score

72/100

High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

8.5

Bushfire

6.0

Heat

7.5

Coastal

7.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Derby

increasing

Flood

85/100

Derby faces a high risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Fitzroy River. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Sea level rise

stable

Bushfire

60/100

The risk of bushfire in Derby is moderate, with surrounding grasslands and scrubland posing a potential fire hazard during the dry season.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures

increasing

Heat

75/100

Derby experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months, increasing the risk of heatwaves and heat stress.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

increasing

Coastal

70/100

As a coastal town, Derby is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges.

Key drivers:

·Sea level rise
·Storm surges

stable

Wind

45/100

Moderate wind risk — winter storms

stable

Storm

40/100

Moderate storm risk — occasional severe thunderstorms

stable

Social

30/100

Moderate social stability

increasing

Energy

55/100

Moderate energy costs — cooling demand in summer

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Derby

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

75/100

Derby experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months, increasing the risk of heatwaves and heat stress.

Primary Drivers

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (High Emissions)

2030

7.8

2050

8.2

Data source

flood Risk

85/100

Derby faces a high risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Fitzroy River. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Sea level rise
·Storm surges

Projections (High Emissions)

2030

8.8

2050

9.2

Data source

coastal Risk

70/100

As a coastal town, Derby is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges.

Primary Drivers

·Sea level rise
·Storm surges
·Coastal erosion

Projections (High Emissions)

2030

7.3

2050

7.7

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

The risk of bushfire in Derby is moderate, with surrounding grasslands and scrubland posing a potential fire hazard during the dry season.

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures
·Wind

Projections (High Emissions)

2030

6.2

2050

6.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the high risk of flooding and other climate-related hazards.

Price Impact

Properties in low-lying areas may experience a decrease in value due to the risk of flooding and coastal inundation.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
4.Consider the property's energy efficiency and cooling needs.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Fitzroy River
Elevation Range: 0-10m
Flood Zone: Coastal Floodplain

Bushfire Evidence

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

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 37°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 15 days

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2011

floodModerate

Major flooding of the Fitzroy River impacted Derby, causing damage to infrastructure and homes.

Source

2018

heatwaveModerate

Record-breaking temperatures during a prolonged heatwave put strain on the town's infrastructure and caused health concerns.

Source

2023

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in parts of Derby, disrupting traffic and damaging property.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: High Emissions

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	85	8.8(+0.3)	9.2(+0.7)
bushfire	60	6.2(+0.2)	6.5(+0.5)
heat	75	7.9(+0.4)	8.2(+0.7)
coastal	70	7.6(+0.6)	7.9(+0.9)

By 2030, Derby is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly flooding and heatwaves. Sea level rise will continue to exacerbate coastal erosion and inundation.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees, drainage systems, and flood barriers.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Near-term

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Coastal Protection Measures

Near-term

Protect coastal areas from erosion and inundation through measures such as seawalls, beach nourishment, and managed retreat.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Improve Bushfire Preparedness

Long-term

Reduce the risk of bushfires through fuel reduction, firebreaks, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Derby's Climate Risk Profile

Derby is a coastal town in Western Australia that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. The town's low elevation and proximity to the Fitzroy River make it particularly susceptible to flooding from intense rainfall events and storm surges.

Rising temperatures are also a major concern, with Derby experiencing increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Sea level rise is another significant threat to Derby, with coastal erosion and inundation already impacting some areas. This is expected to worsen in the coming decades, potentially displacing residents and damaging infrastructure.

Bushfire risk is moderate but present, with surrounding grasslands and scrubland posing a potential fire hazard during the dry season. Changes in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures could exacerbate this risk in the future. Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from local government, residents, and businesses to implement adaptation measures and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

Shire of Derby/West Kimberley

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Derby?

The main climate change risks in Derby include flooding, heatwaves, coastal erosion, and bushfires. These risks are expected to increase in the coming decades due to rising temperatures, sea level rise, and changes in rainfall patterns.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley is developing and implementing strategies to address climate change, including measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change?

Residents can take steps to prepare for climate change by improving their home's energy efficiency, reducing their water consumption, and developing a plan for dealing with extreme weather events.

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

You can find more information about climate change in Derby on the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley website, the Bureau of Meteorology website, and the CSIRO website.

Is it safe to buy property in Derby given the climate risks?

While Derby faces climate risks, properties can still be a good investment if you take the risks into account. Check flood maps, consider insurance costs, and assess the property's vulnerability to climate hazards before making a decision.