Climate Risk in Tom Price, Western Australia
Tom Price faces significant climate risks, primarily from bushfires and extreme heat. Flooding is a secondary concern. Coastal risks are negligible due to its inland location.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Tom Price
Flood
Tom Price experiences some risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events overwhelming local drainage. The risk is moderate but can be exacerbated by infrequent but intense cyclones.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces
Bushfire
Tom Price faces a high risk of bushfires due to the surrounding arid landscape and dry vegetation. Hot, dry summers and strong winds contribute to the potential for rapid fire spread.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Tom Price experiences extreme heat, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Reduced rainfall
Coastal
Tom Price is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.
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 Tom Price
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
Tom Price experiences extreme heat, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Reduced rainfall
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
8.0
2050
8.5
flood Risk
Tom Price experiences some risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events overwhelming local drainage. The risk is moderate but can be exacerbated by infrequent but intense cyclones.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development reducing permeable surfaces
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.5
coastal Risk
Tom Price is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
2.0
2050
2.0
bushfire Risk
Tom Price faces a high risk of bushfires due to the surrounding arid landscape and dry vegetation. Hot, dry summers and strong winds contribute to the potential for rapid fire spread.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
8.0
2050
8.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to bushfire and flood risk.
Price Impact
Property values may be negatively impacted by increasing climate risks.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Assess bushfire risk mitigation measures.
- 2.Check flood risk and insurance coverage.
- 3.Evaluate cooling systems and energy efficiency.
- 4.Consider long-term climate projections for the area.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Tributaries of the Ashburton River
- Elevation Range
- Approximately 747m above sea level
- Flood Zone
- Areas near drainage lines
Local drainage infrastructure may be insufficient to handle extreme rainfall events.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Immediately adjacent to town
- Planning Overlay
- DFES Bushfire Prone Areas Map
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
The town is surrounded by highly flammable vegetation.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 42°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 15 days
Extreme heat is a significant health risk during summer months.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 250 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- None
- Erosion Risk
- None
Historical Climate Events
Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Tom Price, disrupting traffic and damaging some properties.
SourceA prolonged heatwave in the Pilbara region led to increased hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses in Tom Price.
SourceA bushfire near Tom Price threatened the town, requiring emergency services to conduct backburning operations.
SourceRecord-breaking temperatures were recorded in Tom Price during a severe heatwave, placing significant strain on infrastructure and emergency services.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 65 | 6.7(+0.2) | 6.9(+0.4) | 6.8(+0.3) | 7.1(+0.6) |
| bushfire | 80 | 8.3(+0.3) | 8.5(+0.5) | 8.5(+0.5) | 8.8(+0.8) |
| heat | 75 | 8.2(+0.7) | 8.7(+1.2) | 8.7(+1.2) | 9.5(+2.0) |
| coastal | 20 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 |
Under a moderate emissions scenario, Tom Price is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by rising temperatures and increased bushfire risk.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve Bushfire Preparedness
ImmediateImplement comprehensive bushfire management plans, including vegetation clearing, firebreaks, and community education programs.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreEnhance Heatwave Response
ImmediateDevelop and implement heatwave early warning systems, establish cooling centers, and provide public health advice on managing heat stress.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreUpgrade Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termInvest in upgrading drainage infrastructure to improve flood resilience and mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall events.
Est. cost: High
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Long-termImplement water conservation measures to reduce water demand and ensure water security in the face of increasing temperatures and reduced rainfall.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Tom Price's Climate Risk Profile
Tom Price, located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is characterized by a hot, arid climate, making it susceptible to extreme heat events and bushfires.
The primary climate risks for Tom Price include increasing temperatures, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant threat to human health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The increased heat also exacerbates the risk of bushfires, as dry vegetation becomes more flammable.
Bushfires are a major concern for Tom Price, given the surrounding arid landscape and dry vegetation. The combination of high temperatures, strong winds, and dry fuel loads creates ideal conditions for rapid fire spread. These fires can threaten homes, infrastructure, and the local environment.
Flooding is a secondary risk, primarily associated with heavy rainfall events and cyclones. While Tom Price is not directly on the coast, intense rainfall can overwhelm local drainage systems, leading to flash flooding. The risk is moderate but can be significant during extreme weather events.
Due to its inland location, Tom Price is not exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion. However, the town must still prepare for the impacts of climate change, including extreme heat, bushfires, and flooding.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES
Local Government Resources
Shire of Ashburton
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Tom Price?
The main climate change risks for Tom Price are extreme heat, bushfires, and flooding. Rising temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, while dry vegetation and strong winds contribute to the risk of bushfires. Heavy rainfall events can also lead to localized flooding.
How is the local council preparing for climate change?
The Shire of Ashburton is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to address the risks posed by climate change. These strategies include improving bushfire preparedness, enhancing heatwave response, and upgrading drainage infrastructure.
What can residents do to prepare for extreme heat events?
Residents can prepare for extreme heat events by staying hydrated, seeking shade or air-conditioned environments, and avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day. It is also important to check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
What should I do in the event of a bushfire?
In the event of a bushfire, it is important to follow the advice of emergency services. This may include evacuating your home, sheltering in place, or actively defending your property. Stay informed about the fire situation and be prepared to act quickly.
Will climate change affect property values in Tom Price?
Climate change may negatively impact property values in Tom Price due to increasing climate risks such as bushfires and flooding. It is important to consider these risks when buying or selling property in the area.
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 Tom Price, use our analysis tool.
Other Suburbs in Western Australia
Check Your flood Risk Now
Check Tom Price'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