Climate Risk in South Guildford, WA

South Guildford, Western Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

South Guildford faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. Bushfire risk is moderate and expected to increase. Coastal risks are minimal.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.2
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.5

Climate Hazard Breakdown for South Guildford

increasing

Flood

65/100

South Guildford faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Swan River and susceptibility to heavy rainfall events. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Rising river levels
increasing

Bushfire

42/100

The risk of bushfires in South Guildford is moderate, influenced by surrounding vegetation and dry summer conditions. Climate change is projected to lengthen the fire season and increase fire intensity.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier summers
  • ·Increased fuel load
increasing

Heat

70/100

South Guildford is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Rising average temperatures pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

15/100

South Guildford is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, but climate change impacts such as sea level rise could indirectly affect the region through economic and social disruptions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·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 South Guildford

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

South Guildford is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Rising average temperatures pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

South Guildford faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Swan River and susceptibility to heavy rainfall events. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Rising river levels
  • ·Urban development reducing natural drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

15/100

South Guildford is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, but climate change impacts such as sea level rise could indirectly affect the region through economic and social disruptions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.5

2050

1.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

The risk of bushfires in South Guildford is moderate, influenced by surrounding vegetation and dry summer conditions. Climate change is projected to lengthen the fire season and increase fire intensity.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

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 and bushfire prone areas.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heat.
  • 3.Review insurance options.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate risks.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Swan River
Elevation Range
5-15 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near the Swan River are prone to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that properties near the river are at higher risk.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
1-2 km
Planning Overlay
DFES Bushfire Prone Areas Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Check DFES website for current bushfire alerts and warnings.

Heat Evidence

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

Plan ahead for heatwaves and stay hydrated.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
25 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas near the Swan River.

Source
2011
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near South Guildford caused smoke haze and required fire crews to control the blaze.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

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

Source
2022
floodModerate

Significant rainfall led to localized flooding and road closures in South Guildford.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.7(+0.2)7.0(+0.5)
bushfire424.3(+0.1)4.5(+0.3)
heat707.5(+0.5)8.8(+1.8)
coastal151.51.5

Under a moderate emissions scenario, South Guildford is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by increased heatwave frequency and intensity. Flood risk is also expected to rise due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Preparedness Plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Bushfire Mitigation Strategies

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation strategies, such as controlled burns and vegetation management, to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Long-term

Conduct community education programs to raise awareness about climate change risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About South Guildford's Climate Risk Profile

South Guildford, Western Australia, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's proximity to the Swan River makes it susceptible to flooding, which is expected to worsen with increased rainfall intensity.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban environment can exacerbate the heat island effect, further increasing temperatures.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, with drier conditions and longer fire seasons contributing to a higher likelihood of bushfires in the surrounding areas. While South Guildford is not directly on the coast, indirect impacts from sea level rise and coastal erosion could affect the region's economy and infrastructure.

Addressing these challenges requires proactive adaptation measures, including improved drainage infrastructure, heatwave preparedness plans, and bushfire mitigation strategies. Community awareness and engagement are also crucial for building resilience to climate change impacts.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in South Guildford?

The main climate change risks in South Guildford are increased flooding, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher risk of bushfires.

How will climate change affect property values in South Guildford?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions, while properties in areas less vulnerable to climate change may retain their value better.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in South Guildford?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

What is the council doing to address climate change in South Guildford?

The council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies, including improving drainage infrastructure and developing heatwave preparedness plans.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in South Guildford?

You can find more information on the BOM, CSIRO, and DFES websites, as well as the council's website.

Get your property's risk report

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What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections