Climate Risk in Kambalda, WA

Kambalda, Western Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Kambalda faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to bushfires and heatwaves. The risk of flooding is also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
3.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Kambalda

increasing

Flood

30/100

Kambalda faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and potential overflow from local water bodies. The risk is projected to increase slightly due to climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in local drainage patterns
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Kambalda is located in a region with a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding arid landscape and vegetation. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk. Climate change is expected to further increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Kambalda experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is projected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

10/100

Kambalda is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea-level rise or coastal erosion.

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 Kambalda

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Kambalda experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is projected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

30/100

Kambalda faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and potential overflow from local water bodies. The risk is projected to increase slightly due to climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in local drainage patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Kambalda is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea-level rise or coastal erosion.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Kambalda is located in a region with a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding arid landscape and vegetation. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk. Climate change is expected to further increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased frequency of extreme weather events

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to bushfire and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by increasing climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 2.Ensure adequate insurance coverage for bushfire and heatwave risks.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency measures to reduce cooling costs.
  • 4.Check for flood risk and implement appropriate safeguards.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Lake Lefroy
Elevation Range
300-400m
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near Lake Lefroy

Flooding is typically localized and related to heavy rainfall events.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Surrounded by extensive bushland
Planning Overlay
DFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is designated as bushfire prone due to the surrounding vegetation.

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
550 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not applicable
Erosion Risk
Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2012
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Kambalda, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several days.

Source
2015
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Kambalda caused road closures and posed a threat to nearby properties.

Source
2017
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Kambalda, affecting some residential areas.

Source
2019
heatwaveMajor

Record-breaking temperatures were recorded in Kambalda during a severe heatwave event.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday2030205020302050
flood303.2(+0.2)3.4(+0.4)3.3(+0.3)3.6(+0.6)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.7(+0.7)6.6(+0.6)7.0(+1.0)
heat707.5(+0.5)7.8(+0.8)7.7(+0.7)8.2(+1.2)
coastal101.01.01.01.0

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Kambalda is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in bushfire and heatwave risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop and implement a comprehensive bushfire management plan.

Immediate

This plan should include measures to reduce fuel loads, improve firebreaks, and enhance community preparedness.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement heatwave early warning systems and public awareness campaigns.

Immediate

These systems should provide timely warnings to residents about impending heatwaves and offer advice on how to stay safe.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade infrastructure to improve resilience to extreme weather events.

Near-term

This could include strengthening buildings to withstand strong winds and improving drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote water conservation measures to reduce water stress during droughts.

Long-term

This could include implementing water restrictions, promoting the use of water-efficient appliances, and encouraging residents to reduce their water consumption.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Kambalda's Climate Risk Profile

Kambalda, located in the Goldfields-Esperance region of Western Australia, is exposed to several climate-related risks. The most significant threats are bushfires and heatwaves, driven by the region's arid climate and increasing temperatures. The risk of flooding, while lower than bushfire and heatwave risks, is still present due to intense rainfall events.

The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of Kambalda residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Bushfires can also cause significant damage to property and infrastructure, as well as pose a threat to human life.

Climate change is projected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Rising average temperatures and more frequent extreme weather events are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires and heatwaves. Changes in rainfall patterns could also lead to an increased risk of flooding.

Adapting to these climate risks will require a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures. Mitigation measures aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow the pace of climate change. Adaptation measures aim to reduce the vulnerability of communities and ecosystems to the impacts of climate change.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

Coolgardie Shire Council

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Kambalda?

The main climate change risks for Kambalda are bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to rising temperatures, changes in rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events.

How will climate change affect property values in Kambalda?

Climate change could potentially affect property values in Kambalda due to increasing risks from bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding. Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decline in value.

What can I do to protect my home from bushfires in Kambalda?

To protect your home from bushfires in Kambalda, you should clear vegetation around your property, maintain firebreaks, install fire-resistant building materials, and have a bushfire survival plan.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave in Kambalda?

To stay safe during a heatwave in Kambalda, you should stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

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

The Coolgardie Shire Council is responsible for implementing local climate change adaptation and mitigation measures. Contact the council directly for information on their specific plans and initiatives.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Kambalda, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Kambalda's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

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