Climate Risk in Serpentine, WA

Serpentine, Western Australia· UNKNOWN
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Serpentine faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.

Overall Risk Score

5.2/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
0.5

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

6.0/10

Serpentine is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

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

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·River overflow
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

0.5/10

Coastal risk is very low due to the distance from the coast.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

0.5

2050

0.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

4.0/10

The risk of bushfires in Serpentine is moderate, given the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Higher temperatures
  • ·Increased fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk
  • 3.Consider heat mitigation measures
  • 4.Review insurance options

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Serpentine River
Elevation Range
Varies, generally low-lying
Flood Zone
Areas near the Serpentine River are prone to flooding

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the river.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
DFES Bushfire Prone Areas Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain firebreaks and have evacuation plans.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2017
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused the Serpentine River to flood, impacting low-lying properties.

Source
2011
bushfireModerate

A bushfire near Serpentine threatened properties and required emergency response.

Source
2010
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress and health concerns for vulnerable residents.

Source
2022
floodMinor

Localized flooding occurred after a period of heavy rainfall, affecting some roads and properties.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.57.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire4.04.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
heat6.06.7(+0.7)7.2(+1.2)
coastal0.50.50.5

By 2030, Serpentine is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heatwave risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Bushfire Management Plans

Immediate

Develop and implement bushfire management plans to reduce the risk of property damage and loss of life.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Establish Heatwave Early Warning System

Near-term

Create a heatwave early warning system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation to reduce the strain on water resources during periods of drought and heat.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Serpentine's Climate Risk Profile

Serpentine, Western Australia, is situated in a region that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding due to increased rainfall intensity and proximity to the Serpentine River, as well as more frequent and intense heatwaves.

The risk of flooding is exacerbated by the potential for river overflow and inadequate drainage infrastructure. Bushfire risk is also a concern, given the surrounding bushland and the potential for drier conditions and higher temperatures to increase the likelihood and intensity of fires.

Heatwaves pose a significant threat to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify the impact of heatwaves in built-up areas.

While coastal risks are minimal due to Serpentine's inland location, the broader region is still affected by climate change impacts. Adaptation measures are needed to mitigate these risks and protect the community.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Serpentine?

The main climate change risks in Serpentine are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Flooding is a concern due to the proximity to the Serpentine River, while bushfires are a risk due to the surrounding bushland. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

How will climate change affect property values in Serpentine?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions. Insurance premiums may also increase due to flood and bushfire risks. It's important to consider these factors when buying or selling property in Serpentine.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Serpentine?

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is developing and implementing climate change strategies to mitigate the risks and adapt to the changing climate. This includes improving drainage infrastructure, implementing bushfire management plans, and promoting water conservation.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Serpentine?

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Consider installing air conditioning or fans to stay cool. Sign up for heatwave early warning alerts.

What should I do if my property is at risk of flooding?

Check flood maps to assess your property's risk. Consider installing flood barriers or elevating your home. Have an evacuation plan in place and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Contact the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale for assistance.

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