Climate Risk in Kelmscott, WA
Kelmscott faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly in relation to bushfire and flood events.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Kelmscott is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This will increase the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
5.5
2050
6.0
flood Risk
Kelmscott faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Canning River and other waterways. Increased rainfall intensity and altered river flows could exacerbate this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·River flow changes
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.5
coastal Risk
Kelmscott 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
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfires in Kelmscott is high due to the presence of nearby bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Fuel load
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire 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 heatwaves.
- 3.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.
- 4.Consider long-term climate risks when making a purchase decision.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Canning River
- Elevation Range
- 20-40 meters
- Flood Zone
- Areas near the Canning River are prone to flooding.
Historical flood events have impacted properties near the river.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Adjacent to bushland areas.
- Planning Overlay
- Refer to DFES bushfire prone area map.
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
Residents should maintain firebreaks and have a bushfire survival plan.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 32.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 5 days
Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 30 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Not applicable.
- Erosion Risk
- Not applicable.
Historical Climate Events
Heavy rainfall caused flooding along the Canning River, impacting some properties in Kelmscott.
SourceA bushfire near Kelmscott threatened properties and required emergency response.
SourceA prolonged heatwave resulted in increased heat stress and health concerns in Kelmscott.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 6.5 | 7.0(+0.5) | 7.5(+1.0) |
| bushfire | 7.0 | 7.5(+0.5) | 8.0(+1.0) |
| heat | 5.0 | 5.3(+0.3) | 5.5(+0.5) |
| coastal | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
By 2030, Kelmscott is projected to experience a moderate increase in flood and bushfire risk due to climate change. Heatwave intensity and frequency are also expected to increase.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve Flood Defenses
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreBushfire Management
ImmediateImplement bushfire management strategies, including fuel reduction and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreHeatwave Preparedness
Near-termDevelop a heatwave response plan and provide support for vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCommunity Awareness Programs
Long-termEducate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Kelmscott's Climate Risk Profile
Kelmscott, a suburb in Western Australia, is exposed to several climate-related risks. The most significant threats come from flooding due to its proximity to the Canning River, and bushfires due to the surrounding bushland. Rising temperatures are also expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
The risk of flooding is driven by increased rainfall intensity and changes in river flows. Urban development can also exacerbate flooding by increasing runoff. Bushfire risk is driven by hotter, drier conditions and the accumulation of flammable vegetation.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. While Kelmscott is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader region may experience indirect impacts.
Addressing these risks requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures. Mitigation involves reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down climate change. Adaptation involves taking steps to protect communities from the impacts of climate change, such as building flood defenses and managing bushfire risk.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES
Local Government Resources
City of Armadale
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks in Kelmscott?
The main climate risks in Kelmscott are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase due to climate change.
How will climate change affect property values in Kelmscott?
Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions due to increased flood and bushfire risks. Insurance premiums may also increase.
What can I do to protect my property from flooding?
Consider installing flood barriers, improving drainage, and elevating vulnerable equipment. Check your insurance coverage for flood damage.
How can I prepare for a bushfire in Kelmscott?
Maintain firebreaks, clear flammable vegetation around your property, and develop a bushfire survival plan. Stay informed about fire danger ratings and warnings.
What support is available during a heatwave in Kelmscott?
The City of Armadale provides information and support during heatwaves. Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors.
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