Climate Risk in Maylands, WA

Maylands, Western Australia

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Maylands is a suburb in Perth, Western Australia, that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding from the Swan River and increasing heatwave frequency and intensity. Coastal risks are also present due to sea level rise.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.5

Bushfire

3.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

4.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Maylands

increasing

Flood

65/100

Maylands faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Swan River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and rising river levels could exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Rising river levels

stable

Bushfire

30/100

Maylands has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban setting and distance from large bushland areas. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves could pose a localized risk.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·Windy conditions

increasing

Heat

70/100

Maylands is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This could pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect

increasing

Coastal

40/100

Maylands faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to the Swan River. Sea level rise and increased storm surge could lead to erosion and inundation of low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

·Sea level rise
·Increased storm surge

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 Maylands

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

Primary Drivers

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect
·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Maylands faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Swan River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and rising river levels could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Rising river levels
·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

40/100

Maylands faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to the Swan River. Sea level rise and increased storm surge could lead to erosion and inundation of low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

·Sea level rise
·Increased storm surge
·Erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Maylands has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban setting and distance from large bushland areas. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves could pose a localized risk.

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·Windy conditions
·Accidental ignition

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased flood and heatwave risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.
4.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Swan River
Elevation Range: 5-15 meters
Flood Zone: Portion within Flood Zone

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: 2km to nearest reserve
Planning Overlay: Not significantly covered by bushfire overlay
Bushfire Prone Area: No

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 10 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Low-lying areas near the river are potentially exposed
Erosion Risk: Minimal erosion risk

Historical Climate Events

2010

floodMinor

Minor flooding occurred in low-lying areas near the Swan River due to heavy rainfall.

Source

2011

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source

2017

stormModerate

A severe storm caused localized flooding and power outages in the suburb.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	65	6.8(+0.3)	7.1(+0.6)
bushfire	30	3.1(+0.1)	3.3(+0.3)
heat	70	7.8(+0.8)	8.5(+1.5)
coastal	40	4.2(+0.2)	4.5(+0.5)

By 2030, Maylands is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a moderate increase in flood risk. Coastal risks are also expected to increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Increase Vegetation Cover

Near-term

Plant more trees and vegetation to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and storm surge.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Maylands's Climate Risk Profile

Maylands, located near the Swan River in Perth, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying areas make it susceptible to flooding, particularly with increased rainfall intensity and rising river levels. Heatwaves are also a growing concern, posing risks to vulnerable populations.

The risk of flooding is exacerbated by urban development, which can increase runoff and reduce natural drainage. The Swan River's proximity means that even minor increases in water levels can have significant impacts on the suburb. Coastal risks, while less immediate, are also present due to sea level rise and potential storm surges.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, driven by rising global temperatures and the urban heat island effect. This can lead to heat stress and other health problems, especially for the elderly and those with chronic conditions. Reduced vegetation cover in some areas of the suburb can further exacerbate the heat island effect.

Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. This includes improving drainage infrastructure, increasing vegetation cover, and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Community awareness and preparedness are also essential to minimize the impacts of climate change on Maylands.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

City of Perth

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Maylands?

The main risks are flooding from the Swan River, increasing heatwave frequency and intensity, and potential coastal impacts from sea level rise.

How is the council addressing climate change in Maylands?

The City of Perth is developing and implementing climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, including improving drainage infrastructure and increasing vegetation cover.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?

Residents can stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

Are there any flood maps available for Maylands?

Yes, the City of Perth provides flood maps that show areas at risk of flooding. These maps are available on the council's website.

How will climate change affect property values in Maylands?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value, while properties that are more resilient to climate change may retain their value better.