Climate Risk in Wannanup, Western Australia

Wannanup, Western Australia· City of Mandurah· 6210
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Wannanup is a coastal suburb in Western Australia that faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly through sea level rise and increased temperatures. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.2
Heat
7.1
Coastal
5.4

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.1/10

Wannanup experiences a high risk of heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events during summer.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.8

2050

8.5

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Wannanup faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and coastal inundation. The area's low-lying coastal regions are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.8

Data source

coastal Risk

5.4/10

Wannanup faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Low-lying areas are susceptible to inundation and erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.8

2050

6.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

4.2/10

Bushfire risk in Wannanup is moderate due to the presence of nearby bushland and dry vegetation. Hot, dry summers increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Hot summers
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

4.5

2050

4.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price depreciation.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal erosion and sea level rise.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance coverage and potential premium increases.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Peel Inlet
Elevation Range
0-10 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal Inundation Zone

Low-lying areas near the Peel Inlet are particularly susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

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

Properties bordering bushland require adequate firebreaks and defensible space.

Heat Evidence

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

Elderly and vulnerable populations are at higher risk during heatwave events.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Moderate exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk

Historical Climate Events

2017
stormModerate

Severe storms caused coastal erosion and flooding in Wannanup.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall led to localized flooding in low-lying areas of Wannanup.

Source
2007
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Wannanup threatened properties but was quickly contained.

Source
2010
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions impacted vulnerable residents.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.56.8(+0.3)7.3(+0.8)
bushfire4.24.4(+0.2)4.7(+0.5)
heat7.17.8(+0.7)8.6(+1.5)
coastal5.45.8(+0.4)6.4(+1.0)

By 2030, Wannanup is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave intensity and coastal inundation.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Coastal Defenses

Near-term

Invest in seawalls and dune restoration to protect coastal properties from erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement bushfire management strategies, including controlled burns and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Long-term

Improve drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water stress during prolonged dry periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Wannanup's Climate Risk Profile

Wannanup, located in the City of Mandurah, Western Australia, is a coastal community with unique environmental characteristics. The suburb's proximity to the coast makes it vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Climate change projections indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, posing significant challenges to the region.

Flooding is a concern due to heavy rainfall and storm surges, which can inundate low-lying areas. Bushfire risk is present due to the surrounding bushland, with hot, dry summers increasing the likelihood of fires. Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, impacting public health and infrastructure.

Coastal hazards, including erosion and inundation, threaten coastal properties and infrastructure. Sea level rise is expected to exacerbate these risks, potentially leading to significant property damage and displacement.

Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from local government, residents, and businesses. Implementing adaptation measures, such as improved drainage systems, bushfire management strategies, and coastal protection measures, is crucial to building resilience and protecting the community.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES WA · City of Mandurah

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Wannanup?

Wannanup faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards, all of which are expected to worsen with climate change.

How is the City of Mandurah addressing climate change?

The City of Mandurah is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to protect the community and infrastructure from climate risks.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?

Residents can stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

How can I protect my property from bushfires?

Create firebreaks, clear vegetation around your home, and have a bushfire survival plan in place.

What is the long-term outlook for coastal properties in Wannanup?

Coastal properties face increasing risks from sea level rise and erosion, potentially leading to property damage and reduced property values.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Wannanup?

Flood maps and information are available on the City of Mandurah website and the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website.

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