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Climate Risk in Fitzroy Crossing, WA

Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia
High Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Fitzroy Crossing faces significant climate-related challenges, primarily from flooding and extreme heat. The risk of bushfires is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

72/100
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
8.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
8.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Fitzroy Crossing

increasing

Flood

85/100

Fitzroy Crossing is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location near the Fitzroy River. Riverine flooding poses a significant threat to properties and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in river flow patterns
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

The area around Fitzroy Crossing has a moderate risk of bushfires, particularly during the dry season. Grasslands and sparse vegetation contribute to the fire risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

80/100

Fitzroy Crossing experiences extreme heat, especially during the summer months. High temperatures can pose health risks to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Fitzroy Crossing is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

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 Fitzroy Crossing

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

80/100

Fitzroy Crossing experiences extreme heat, especially during the summer months. High temperatures can pose health risks to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.3

2050

8.7

Data source

flood Risk

85/100

Fitzroy Crossing is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location near the Fitzroy River. Riverine flooding poses a significant threat to properties and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in river flow patterns
  • ·Deforestation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.8

2050

9.2

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Fitzroy Crossing is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

The area around Fitzroy Crossing has a moderate risk of bushfires, particularly during the dry season. Grasslands and sparse vegetation contribute to the fire risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.3

2050

6.7

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 events.

Price Impact

Property values may be negatively impacted by the increasing risk of flooding and extreme heat.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood history of the property
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to bushfires
  • 3.Ensure adequate insulation and cooling systems
  • 4.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Fitzroy River
Elevation Range
Low-lying plains
Flood Zone
High-risk flood zone

The Fitzroy River has a history of major flooding events, impacting the town and surrounding areas.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to grasslands and sparse vegetation
Planning Overlay
Available from DFES WA
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is prone to grassfires and bushfires during the dry season.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
42°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
25 days

Extreme heat events are common during the summer months, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
250 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not applicable
Erosion Risk
Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2023
floodMajor

Major flooding of the Fitzroy River caused widespread damage to infrastructure and properties in Fitzroy Crossing.

Source
2018
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in record-breaking temperatures and increased demand for emergency services.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Significant flooding of the Fitzroy River impacted low-lying areas of the town.

Source
2006
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Fitzroy Crossing caused minor property damage and disruptions.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood8511.5(+3.0)14.5(+6.0)
bushfire608.0(+2.0)10.0(+4.0)
heat8012.0(+4.0)15.0(+7.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Fitzroy Crossing is projected to experience more frequent and intense flooding events, along with increased heatwave conditions. Bushfire risk is also expected to rise.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as levees and drainage systems, to protect properties and infrastructure from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Heatwave Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and implement heatwave action plans, including public awareness campaigns and cooling centers, to protect vulnerable populations from extreme heat.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Bushfire Management

Near-term

Implement bushfire risk reduction measures, such as controlled burns and vegetation management, to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Upgrade Infrastructure

Long-term

Upgrade critical infrastructure, such as power grids and water supply systems, to make them more resilient to climate change impacts.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Fitzroy Crossing's Climate Risk Profile

Fitzroy Crossing, located in the Kimberley region of Western Australia, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The town's proximity to the Fitzroy River makes it highly susceptible to flooding, which is expected to worsen with increased rainfall intensity and altered river flow patterns.

Extreme heat is another major concern for Fitzroy Crossing. Rising global temperatures are exacerbating the already high temperatures experienced during the summer months, posing health risks to residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Bushfire risk is also present, with grasslands and sparse vegetation contributing to the potential for fires during the dry season. Drier conditions and increased temperatures are expected to further elevate this risk.

While Fitzroy Crossing is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activities, can still affect the town. Adaptation measures are crucial to protect the community and its infrastructure from these growing threats.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES WA · Shire of Fitzroy Valley

Local Government Resources

Shire of Fitzroy Valley

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Fitzroy Crossing?

The main climate change risks facing Fitzroy Crossing are flooding, extreme heat, and bushfires. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns.

How will climate change affect property values in Fitzroy Crossing?

Climate change is likely to negatively impact property values in Fitzroy Crossing due to the increasing risk of flooding and extreme heat. Properties in low-lying areas or those that are not well-adapted to heat may be particularly vulnerable.

What can I do to protect my home from flooding in Fitzroy Crossing?

There are several things you can do to protect your home from flooding, including raising the foundation, installing flood barriers, and improving drainage. It is also important to have flood insurance.

How can I prepare for extreme heat in Fitzroy Crossing?

To prepare for extreme heat, it is important to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

What is the local council doing to address climate change in Fitzroy Crossing?

The Shire of Fitzroy Valley is developing and implementing climate change adaptation strategies to protect the community and its infrastructure from the impacts of climate change. These strategies include improving flood defenses, enhancing heatwave preparedness, and strengthening bushfire management.

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