Climate Risk in Greenbushes, Western Australia

Greenbushes, Western Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Greenbushes faces moderate climate risks, primarily from bushfires, flooding, and increasing heat. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, requiring proactive adaptation measures.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Greenbushes

increasing

Flood

40/100

Greenbushes faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and local creek overflows. The risk is expected to increase with climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Local topography
increasing

Bushfire

70/100

Greenbushes has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to dense forests. Hot, dry summers exacerbate the risk, and climate change is projected to worsen conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

50/100

Greenbushes experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Greenbushes is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

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 Greenbushes

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Greenbushes experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.0

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Greenbushes faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and local creek overflows. The risk is expected to increase with climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Local topography
  • ·Creek overflow

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

6.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Greenbushes is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

70/100

Greenbushes has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to dense forests. Hot, dry summers exacerbate the risk, and climate change is projected to worsen conditions.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.0

2050

9.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to bushfire and flood risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by increasing climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check for flood and bushfire risk assessments.
  • 2.Inquire about insurance costs.
  • 3.Assess property's resilience to heatwaves.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local Creeks
Elevation Range
Moderate
Flood Zone
Areas near creeks

Historical flood data indicates localized flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

The area is designated as a bushfire-prone area due to the surrounding forest.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Average January maximum temperature is increasing, with more frequent heat stress days.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
180 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not Applicable
Erosion Risk
Not Applicable

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

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

Source
2016
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Greenbushes threatened properties and required emergency response.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress and health concerns for vulnerable residents.

Source
2023
bushfireMinor

A small bushfire broke out near the town, quickly contained by fire services.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood405.0(+1.0)6.0(+2.0)
bushfire708.0(+1.0)9.0(+2.0)
heat505.5(+0.5)6.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Greenbushes is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and bushfire risks due to changing rainfall patterns and hotter, drier conditions.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Bushfire Mitigation

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation strategies, including vegetation management, fire breaks, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Flood Management

Near-term

Improve drainage infrastructure and implement flood management plans to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness

Near-term

Develop a heatwave preparedness plan, including public awareness campaigns and cooling centers for vulnerable residents.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Resilience Building

Long-term

Promote community resilience through education, training, and support networks to help residents prepare for and respond to climate-related hazards.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Greenbushes's Climate Risk Profile

Greenbushes, Western Australia, is susceptible to several climate-related hazards. The most significant risk is bushfire, given the surrounding dense vegetation and hot, dry summers. Climate change projections indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of bushfire events, posing a threat to property and lives.

Flooding is another concern, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Local creeks and waterways can overflow, inundating low-lying areas. The risk of flooding is expected to increase as rainfall patterns become more erratic due to climate change.

Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves also pose a threat to the community, especially vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The impact of heatwaves can be amplified by the lack of adequate cooling infrastructure.

While Greenbushes is located inland and not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, can still affect the community. Proactive adaptation measures are essential to mitigate these risks and build resilience.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Greenbushes?

The main climate change risks for Greenbushes are bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to changing climate patterns.

How will climate change affect property values in Greenbushes?

Climate change may affect property values in Greenbushes due to increased risks of bushfires and flooding. Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decline in value.

What can I do to protect my property from bushfires?

You can protect your property from bushfires by implementing bushfire mitigation strategies, such as clearing vegetation, installing fire breaks, and having a bushfire survival plan.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Greenbushes?

You can find information about flood risks in Greenbushes from the local council, the Department of Water, and the Bureau of Meteorology.

How can I prepare for a heatwave in Greenbushes?

You can prepare for a heatwave by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

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What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections