Climate Risk in Riverton, Western Australia

Riverton, Western Australia· City of Canning· 6148
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Riverton is a suburb in Perth, Western Australia, that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are increased heatwaves, flooding from the Canning River, and potential coastal impacts. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events in the coming years.

Overall Risk Score

5.5/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
5.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.0/10

Riverton is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This will increase the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.0/10

Riverton faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Canning 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 reducing natural drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

5.0/10

Riverton faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to the Canning River estuary. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to increased erosion and inundation.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge intensity
  • ·Erosion of riverbanks

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

4.0/10

Riverton has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urbanized environment and distance from large bushland areas. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves could pose a localized threat.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation in parks and reserves
  • ·Windy conditions
  • ·Potential for human-caused ignitions

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased climate risks.

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 potential impacts of sea level rise.
  • 4.Review the City of Canning's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Canning River
Elevation Range
5-15 meters
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to the Canning River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have occurred along the Canning River, impacting properties in Riverton.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Approximately 2km to the nearest significant bushland.
Planning Overlay
DFES Bushfire Prone Areas Map
Bushfire Prone Area
No

While not a high-risk area, residents should still be aware of fire safety during the bushfire season.

Heat Evidence

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

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the future.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
10 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas near the Canning River are potentially exposed to sea level rise impacts.
Erosion Risk
Erosion is a concern along the banks of the Canning River.

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding along the Canning River, affecting some properties in Riverton.

Source
2011
stormMinor

A severe storm brought strong winds and heavy rain to Riverton, causing minor damage to trees and power lines.

Source
2015
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses in the Perth metropolitan area, including Riverton.

Source
2022
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused minor flooding in low-lying areas of Riverton, particularly near the Canning River.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.06.2(+0.2)6.5(+0.5)
bushfire4.04.1(+0.1)4.3(+0.3)
heat7.07.5(+0.5)8.5(+1.5)
coastal5.05.2(+0.2)5.7(+0.7)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Riverton is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by more frequent and intense heatwaves. Flooding and coastal risks are also expected to increase marginally.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Implement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect and restore coastal ecosystems

Long-term

Implement measures to protect and restore coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and dunes, to buffer against sea level rise and storm surges.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Near-term

Encourage residents and businesses to conserve water to reduce pressure on water resources during periods of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community education programs

Near-term

Run community education programs to increase awareness of climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Riverton's Climate Risk Profile

Riverton, located in the City of Canning, is a suburb that will be increasingly affected by climate change. Rising temperatures will lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to public health, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban heat island effect may exacerbate these impacts.

The suburb's proximity to the Canning River makes it vulnerable to flooding. Increased rainfall intensity and rising river levels could inundate low-lying areas, damaging property and disrupting transportation. Effective stormwater management and flood mitigation measures are crucial.

While Riverton is not directly on the coast, it is still susceptible to coastal hazards due to its location near the Canning River estuary. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to erosion and inundation, particularly in areas close to the river.

Bushfire risk is relatively low in Riverton due to its urbanized environment. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves could still pose a localized threat, especially during hot and windy conditions. Residents should maintain their properties and be aware of fire safety guidelines.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES · City of Canning

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Riverton?

The main climate change risks for Riverton include increased heatwaves, flooding from the Canning River, and potential coastal impacts due to sea level rise.

How will climate change affect property values in Riverton?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value. Insurance premiums may also increase due to increased climate risks.

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

The City of Canning is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to address the risks posed by climate change. These plans include measures to improve stormwater drainage, protect coastal ecosystems, and promote water conservation.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Riverton?

During heatwaves, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on elderly neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Riverton?

You can find more information about flood risks in Riverton on the City of Canning website and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation website.

Is Riverton in a bushfire prone area?

While Riverton is not considered a high bushfire risk area, it's important to stay informed and prepared, especially during the bushfire season. Keep your property well-maintained and be aware of fire safety guidelines.

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