Climate Risk Profile: Shire of Exmouth, Western Australia
The Shire of Exmouth faces significant climate-related risks, including flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change. Adaptation measures are crucial to protect the community and environment.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Shire of Exmouth
Flood
The Shire of Exmouth faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
The Shire of Exmouth has a high risk of bushfires due to the dry climate and surrounding vegetation. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds exacerbate the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Prolonged drought
- ·High temperatures
Heat
The Shire of Exmouth experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months, leading to heat stress and potential health impacts.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
The Shire of Exmouth is vulnerable to coastal hazards such as sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges, impacting coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
Wind
Moderate wind risk — winter storms
Storm
Moderate storm risk — occasional severe thunderstorms
Social
Moderate social stability
Energy
Moderate energy costs — cooling demand in summer
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Shire of Exmouth
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
The Shire of Exmouth experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months, leading to heat stress and potential health impacts.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
8.0
2050
8.5
flood Risk
The Shire of Exmouth faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.5
coastal Risk
The Shire of Exmouth is vulnerable to coastal hazards such as sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges, impacting coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
- ·Coastal erosion
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
bushfire Risk
The Shire of Exmouth has a high risk of bushfires due to the dry climate and surrounding vegetation. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds exacerbate the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Prolonged drought
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
8.5
2050
9.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience price depreciation.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone areas.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal hazards.
- 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential climate impacts on property value.
- 4.Inquire about local adaptation plans and initiatives.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Exmouth Gulf
- Elevation Range
- 0-100m
- Flood Zone
- Coastal and riverine floodplains
Low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to storm surges.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Adjacent to Cape Range National Park
- Planning Overlay
- DFES Bushfire Prone Areas Map
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
The area is surrounded by flammable vegetation, increasing bushfire risk.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 38°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 5 days
High temperatures during summer months can lead to heat stress.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 0.5 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- High
- Erosion Risk
- Moderate
Historical Climate Events
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 | 80 | 8.4(+0.4) | 8.8(+0.8) |
| heat | 75 | 8.1(+0.6) | 8.7(+1.2) |
| coastal | 70 | 7.2(+0.2) | 7.4(+0.4) |
By 2030, the Shire of Exmouth is projected to experience increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, bushfires, and coastal flooding due to climate change.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve drainage infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to manage increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImplement bushfire management strategies
ImmediateReduce fuel loads and create firebreaks to protect communities from bushfires.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave response plan
Near-termEstablish cooling centers and provide public awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreProtect coastal areas from erosion
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures such as seawalls and beach nourishment to reduce erosion and protect infrastructure.
Est. cost: Very High
Learn morePromote water conservation
Long-termEncourage water-wise practices to reduce water demand and ensure water security.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Shire of Exmouth's Climate Risk Profile
The Shire of Exmouth is located in a region highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and sea level rise pose significant challenges to the local community and environment.
Flooding is a major concern, with low-lying areas at risk from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. The increasing intensity of rainfall and rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate flooding in the future. Bushfires are also a significant threat, particularly during the dry season. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds create ideal conditions for bushfires to spread rapidly.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing risks to human health and infrastructure. The elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat stress. Coastal erosion and sea level rise threaten coastal infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities. The Shire of Exmouth needs to implement adaptation measures to mitigate these risks and protect its residents and environment.
Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort involving local government, community organizations, and individuals. Implementing adaptation strategies, such as improving drainage infrastructure, managing vegetation, and raising awareness about climate risks, is essential to building resilience and ensuring a sustainable future for the Shire of Exmouth.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES · DPAW
Local Government Resources
Shire of Exmouth
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing the Shire of Exmouth?
The Shire of Exmouth faces significant climate change risks, including increased flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are projected to worsen in the future due to rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and sea level rise.
How is the Shire of Exmouth preparing for climate change?
The Shire of Exmouth is developing and implementing adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change. These strategies include improving drainage infrastructure, managing vegetation to reduce bushfire risk, developing a heatwave response plan, and protecting coastal areas from erosion.
What can residents do to prepare for climate change impacts?
Residents can take several steps to prepare for climate change impacts, such as checking flood maps and bushfire prone areas, assessing their property's vulnerability to coastal hazards, considering the cost of insurance, and inquiring about local adaptation plans.
Where can I find more information about climate change in the Shire of Exmouth?
You can find more information about climate change in the Shire of Exmouth on the Shire's website, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website, the Bureau of Meteorology website, and the CSIRO website.
What is the council doing to reduce carbon emissions?
The council is exploring opportunities to reduce carbon emissions through energy efficiency measures, renewable energy projects, and sustainable transportation initiatives. More information can be found on the council's website.
Get your property's risk report
This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Shire of Exmouth, use our analysis tool.
Other Suburbs in Western Australia
Check Your flood Risk Now
Check Shire of Exmouth's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.
What A$69 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections