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Climate Risk in Dunsborough, WA

Dunsborough, Western Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Dunsborough is a coastal town in Western Australia that faces increasing risks from climate change. The primary hazards are bushfire, heatwaves, flooding, and coastal erosion. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
5.3

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Dunsborough

increasing

Flood

45/100

Dunsborough faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. The risk is expected to increase with climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Dunsborough has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland and dry vegetation. Hot, dry summers and strong winds exacerbate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

50/100

Dunsborough is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

53/100

Dunsborough faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. These risks are projected to worsen with climate change.

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 Dunsborough

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

50/100

Dunsborough is experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.3

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Dunsborough faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential riverine flooding. The risk is expected to increase with climate change.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.8

Data source

coastal Risk

53/100

Dunsborough faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. These risks are projected to worsen with climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.8

2050

6.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Dunsborough has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland and dry vegetation. Hot, dry summers and strong winds exacerbate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Stronger winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Geographe Bay
Elevation Range
0-50m
Flood Zone
Coastal and riverine floodplains

Dunsborough is located near Geographe Bay and has areas susceptible to both coastal and riverine flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

Much of Dunsborough is designated as a bushfire-prone area.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Dunsborough experiences several days above 35°C each summer.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Dunsborough.

Source
2015
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Dunsborough threatened properties and required evacuations.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Dunsborough experienced a prolonged heatwave with record-breaking temperatures.

Source
2022
coastalMinor

Coastal erosion impacted some beaches near Dunsborough.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood454.8(+0.3)5.3(+0.8)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.9(+0.9)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.1(+1.1)
coastal536.0(+0.7)6.5(+1.2)

By 2030, Dunsborough is projected to experience a noticeable increase in climate-related risks, particularly from heatwaves and coastal hazards.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a comprehensive bushfire management plan

Immediate

Implement strategies to reduce bushfire risk, including vegetation management, fire breaks, and community education programs.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Upgrade infrastructure to withstand extreme heat

Near-term

Improve the resilience of power grids, water supply systems, and transportation networks to cope with more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Implement coastal protection measures

Near-term

Construct sea walls, restore dunes, and implement other strategies to protect coastal areas from erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Improve flood management infrastructure

Long-term

Upgrade drainage systems and build flood levees to reduce the risk of flooding from heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents and businesses to adopt water-saving measures to reduce water demand during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Dunsborough's Climate Risk Profile

Dunsborough, Western Australia, is a beautiful coastal town that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is experiencing rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and sea level rise, all of which contribute to increased risks from various hazards.

Bushfire risk is a significant concern for Dunsborough due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry summers and strong winds create ideal conditions for bushfires to spread rapidly. Residents need to be prepared for potential evacuations and property damage.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and young children. Infrastructure can also be affected by extreme heat, leading to power outages and other disruptions.

Flooding is another concern, with heavy rainfall events potentially causing riverine and flash flooding. Sea level rise also increases the risk of coastal inundation, particularly during storm surges.

Coastal erosion is impacting Dunsborough's coastline, threatening beaches, infrastructure, and property. Sea walls and other coastal protection measures may be necessary to mitigate these impacts.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Dunsborough?

The main risks are bushfires, heatwaves, flooding, and coastal erosion. These risks are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare my home for a bushfire?

Clear vegetation around your home, install fire breaks, and have a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I protect my property from coastal erosion?

Consider building a sea wall or other coastal protection measures. Maintain dunes and vegetation along the coastline.

Where can I find information about local emergency services?

Visit the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) website for information about bushfires, floods, and other emergencies.

Is Dunsborough likely to experience more extreme weather events in the future?

Yes, climate projections indicate that Dunsborough will likely experience more frequent and intense extreme weather events, including heatwaves, bushfires, and floods.

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$300B+
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30-120%
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*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

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