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PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk Profile: Merredin, WA

Merredin, Western Australia· Merredin· 6415
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Merredin faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly heatwaves and flooding. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.2/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

5.0/10

Merredin experiences high temperatures during summer, leading to heatwave conditions. Vulnerable populations are at risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

4.5/10

Merredin faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events causing flash flooding and riverine flooding along the Merredin River. Local infrastructure may be vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Merredin is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Projections (N/A)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

6.0/10

Merredin is located in a region with a high bushfire risk due to dry vegetation and hot, dry summers. Grassfires are a significant concern.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot summers
  • ·Windy conditions

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

6.0

2050

6.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the increasing risk of flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
  • 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Implement bushfire preparedness measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Merredin River
Elevation Range
280-320m
Flood Zone
Areas near the Merredin River are prone to flooding.

The Merredin Shire Council maintains flood maps and provides information on flood preparedness.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

Residents should consult the DFES website for information on bushfire preparedness and fire restrictions.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
35°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Heatwaves are common in Merredin during summer. Residents should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in Merredin, resulting in road closures and property damage.

Source
2012
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Merredin, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source
2015
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Merredin threatened properties and required the evacuation of residents.

Source
2019
droughtModerate

Prolonged drought conditions impacted agricultural production in the Merredin region.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood4.54.7(+0.2)5.0(+0.5)
bushfire6.06.1(+0.1)6.2(+0.2)
heat5.05.5(+0.5)6.0(+1.0)
coastal1.01.01.0

By 2030, under a moderate emissions scenario (RCP4.5), Merredin is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by more frequent and intense heatwaves. There is also a small increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood control measures to reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire preparedness measures, such as maintaining firebreaks and clearing vegetation around properties.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Heat Action Plan

Near-term

Develop and implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Water Conservation

Long-term

Implement water conservation measures to ensure a sustainable water supply during periods of drought.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Education

Long-term

Educate the community about climate change risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Merredin's Climate Risk Profile

Merredin, located in the Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, is susceptible to a range of climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding from intense rainfall events, bushfires during the hot, dry summers, and heatwaves that can impact vulnerable populations.

Flooding in Merredin is typically caused by heavy rainfall events that can overwhelm local drainage systems and cause flash flooding. The Merredin River can also contribute to riverine flooding during periods of sustained rainfall. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding.

Bushfires are a significant threat to Merredin due to the surrounding dry vegetation and hot, windy conditions during summer. Grassfires can spread rapidly and pose a risk to properties and infrastructure. Maintaining firebreaks and implementing bushfire preparedness measures are crucial for mitigating this risk.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Merredin, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Implementing heat action plans and providing access to cooling centers can help reduce the impact of heatwaves.

While Merredin is located inland and does not face direct coastal risks, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to agriculture and water resources, can still affect the community.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

Shire of Merredin

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Merredin?

Merredin faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to be exacerbated by climate change.

How can I prepare for a bushfire in Merredin?

Maintain firebreaks, clear vegetation around your property, and have a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave in Merredin?

Stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information on flood risks in Merredin?

The Shire of Merredin provides flood maps and information on flood preparedness on their website.

How is the Shire of Merredin addressing climate change?

The Shire of Merredin is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to reduce the community's vulnerability to climate change impacts.

What is the average rainfall in Merredin?

The average annual rainfall in Merredin is approximately 350mm, but this can vary significantly from year to year.

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