Climate Risk Assessment for Waroona, WA

Waroona, Western Australia· Waroona· 6215
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Waroona faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are projected to increase with climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
7.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
N/A

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

5.0/10

Waroona experiences moderately high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Waroona faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Waroona Dam and surrounding waterways. Heavy rainfall events can lead to riverine flooding and localised flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Dam overflow
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

0.0/10

Waroona is not directly exposed to coastal hazards.

Projections (N/A)

2030

0.0

2050

0.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

7.0/10

Waroona is at high risk of bushfires due to the surrounding bushland and dry summers. The area has experienced significant bushfires in the past, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the increasing risk of flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
  • 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Develop a bushfire survival plan.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Waroona Dam
Elevation Range
50-100m
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to the Waroona Dam and waterways are susceptible to flooding.

The Shire of Waroona has implemented flood mitigation measures, but further investment is needed to address the increasing risk.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
Available from DFES WA
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain firebreaks and have a bushfire survival plan.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
35°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Elderly residents and those with pre-existing conditions are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2016
bushfireMajor

The Waroona bushfire caused significant damage to property and infrastructure in the region.

Source
2017
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Waroona.

Source
2022
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Waroona, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.56.7(+0.2)7.3(+0.8)
bushfire7.07.3(+0.3)8.0(+1.0)
heat5.05.4(+0.4)6.5(+1.5)
coastal0.00.00.0

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Waroona is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and intensity.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Strengthen Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement stricter building codes in bushfire-prone areas and provide residents with resources to prepare for bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water through education and incentives, to reduce the strain on water resources during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Waroona's Climate Risk Profile

Waroona, located inland in Western Australia, is primarily threatened by flooding and bushfires. The risk of flooding is exacerbated by the presence of the Waroona Dam and surrounding waterways, which can overflow during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flooding events.

Bushfire risk is also a significant concern for Waroona, given the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry summers create ideal conditions for bushfires, and the area has a history of experiencing destructive fires. Climate change is projected to increase temperatures and reduce rainfall, further increasing the risk of bushfires.

Heatwaves are another potential hazard for Waroona, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

While Waroona is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the impacts of climate change on other regions could indirectly affect the area through economic and social disruptions. It is important for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures to adapt to the changing climate and mitigate the risks associated with extreme weather events.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · DFES WA

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Waroona?

Waroona faces increasing risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves due to climate change.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your home, maintain firebreaks, and have a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Waroona?

Consult the Shire of Waroona's website for flood maps and information.

Is Waroona likely to experience more extreme weather events in the future?

Yes, climate projections indicate that Waroona will likely experience more frequent and intense extreme weather events in the future.

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