Climate Risk in Kewdale, Western Australia

Kewdale, Western Australia

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Kewdale faces a moderate climate risk profile, with heatwaves and flooding being the primary concerns. The suburb's inland location mitigates coastal risks, but rising temperatures and rainfall intensity require attention.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

4.5

Bushfire

3.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Kewdale

increasing

Flood

45/100

Kewdale faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from localized heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby waterways. The area's relatively flat topography contributes to this risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces

stable

Bushfire

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Kewdale is relatively low due to its urbanized environment and distance from large areas of dense bushland. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves can still pose a localized threat.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·Increased temperatures

increasing

Heat

70/100

Kewdale is subject to a high risk of heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events projected. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Kewdale is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

·Distance from the coast

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 Kewdale

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

70/100

Kewdale is subject to a high risk of heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events projected. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Kewdale faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from localized heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby waterways. The area's relatively flat topography contributes to this risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Kewdale is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·Increased temperatures

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heat risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience some price impact.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood history of the property.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Swan River
Elevation Range: 5-10 meters
Flood Zone: Low-lying areas near the Swan River

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: 2-5 km to nearest significant bushland
Planning Overlay: DFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area: No

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 10 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2010

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Kewdale, affecting some residential and commercial properties.

Source

2015

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on the energy grid.

Source

2017

stormMinor

A severe storm caused minor damage to property and infrastructure in Kewdale.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	45	4.8(+0.3)	5.0(+0.5)
bushfire	30	3.1(+0.1)	3.3(+0.3)
heat	70	7.8(+0.8)	8.2(+1.2)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Kewdale is projected to experience a noticeable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a slight increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade and expand drainage systems to better manage increased rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce demand on water resources and mitigate the impacts of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Increase Green Spaces

Near-term

Increase the amount of green space in Kewdale to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade and cooling.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Kewdale's Climate Risk Profile

Kewdale, located in Western Australia, is primarily exposed to risks associated with increasing temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns. The urban environment exacerbates the heat island effect, leading to higher average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Flooding is another concern for Kewdale, particularly due to localized heavy rainfall events. The suburb's relatively flat topography and existing drainage infrastructure may struggle to cope with increased rainfall intensity, leading to potential property damage and disruption to daily life.

While the risk of bushfire is relatively low due to the urbanized nature of Kewdale, it is not entirely absent. Dry vegetation in parks and reserves can still pose a localized threat, especially during prolonged periods of hot and dry weather. Residents should remain vigilant and take appropriate precautions to minimize the risk of fire.

Coastal hazards are not a significant concern for Kewdale due to its inland location. However, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased energy costs, may still indirectly affect the suburb.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

City of Belmont

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Kewdale?

The main climate change risks for Kewdale are increasing temperatures, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and an increased risk of flooding due to more intense rainfall events.

How will climate change affect property values in Kewdale?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience some price impact. Overall, the impact on property values will depend on how well the community adapts to climate change.

What is the City of Belmont doing to address climate change?

The City of Belmont is developing and implementing a climate strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Kewdale?

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Consider installing air conditioning or visiting a cooling center.

How can I reduce my risk of flooding in Kewdale?

Ensure your property is properly drained, clear gutters and downpipes, and consider installing flood barriers. Check your insurance policy to ensure you are covered for flood damage.