Climate Risk Profile for Amaroo, Australian Capital Territory

Amaroo, Australian Capital Territory· UNKNOWN· 2914
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Amaroo faces moderate risks from bushfires and heatwaves, with some flood risk. Climate change is expected to increase the severity of these risks. Residents should prepare for hotter summers and potential bushfire events.

Overall Risk Score

5.5/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
6.5
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

6.5/10

Amaroo is experiencing increasing heatwave intensity and frequency. Urban areas retain heat, leading to higher nighttime temperatures. Vulnerable populations are at increased risk during heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Increasing frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

flood Risk

4.0/10

Amaroo faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. Development planning considers flood mitigation, but localized issues can still occur.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Heavy rainfall
  • ·Stormwater runoff
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Amaroo is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

6.0/10

Amaroo has a moderate to high bushfire risk due to its proximity to grassland and bushland areas. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate the risk. Residents should maintain firebreaks and be prepared.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Hot and dry summers
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurers are likely to increase premiums in areas with higher bushfire and flood risk.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate projections for the area.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Ginninderra Creek
Elevation Range
620-650m
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near Ginninderra Creek

Some areas may be susceptible to flash flooding during intense rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve
Planning Overlay
ACTmapi Bushfire Prone Areas
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties bordering the reserve require careful management of vegetation.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Urban areas experience higher nighttime temperatures due to the urban heat island effect.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2003
bushfireCatastrophic

The 2003 Canberra bushfires caused widespread damage and loss of life in the region, highlighting the area's vulnerability to bushfires.

Source
2018
heatwaveModerate

Canberra experienced a prolonged heatwave in January 2018, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days.

Source
2020
stormModerate

A severe thunderstorm caused flash flooding and property damage in parts of Canberra, including Amaroo.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5

HazardToday20302050
flood4.04.2(+0.2)4.4(+0.4)
bushfire6.06.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)
heat6.57.1(+0.6)8.0(+1.5)
coastal1.01.01.0

By 2030, Amaroo is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by more frequent and intense heatwaves and a higher bushfire risk. Flooding risk will also slightly increase.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Home Cooling

Near-term

Install energy-efficient air conditioning or fans to mitigate the impact of heatwaves. Ensure proper insulation to reduce heat gain.

Est. cost: $500 - $5000

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Create and maintain a firebreak around your property. Develop a bushfire survival plan and practice it regularly.

Est. cost: $100 - $500

Learn more

Install Rainwater Tanks

Long-term

Install rainwater tanks to capture stormwater runoff and reduce the risk of flooding. Use the collected water for gardening and other non-potable purposes.

Est. cost: $1000 - $5000

Learn more

Urban Greening

Long-term

Plant trees and vegetation around your property to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade. Support community greening initiatives.

Est. cost: $50 - $500

Learn more

About Amaroo's Climate Risk Profile

Amaroo, located in the northern suburbs of Canberra, is exposed to several climate-related risks. The primary concerns are increasing heatwave intensity and frequency, as well as the potential for bushfires due to its proximity to grassland and bushland areas. Flooding is a secondary risk, mainly from heavy rainfall events and stormwater runoff.

Climate change is projected to exacerbate these risks. Hotter and drier conditions will likely increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires. The urban heat island effect will contribute to higher temperatures, particularly during heatwaves, posing a greater risk to vulnerable populations. Changes in rainfall patterns could also lead to more intense flooding events.

Residents should take proactive measures to mitigate these risks. This includes maintaining firebreaks around properties, preparing for heatwaves, and understanding local flood risks. Community-level adaptation strategies, such as improved stormwater management and urban greening, are also essential.

Understanding the long-term climate projections is crucial for making informed decisions about property and personal safety. Staying informed about local emergency services updates and heeding warnings during extreme weather events is also vital.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACTmapi

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Amaroo?

The main climate risks in Amaroo are increasing heatwave intensity and frequency, bushfire risk due to proximity to bushland, and potential flooding from heavy rainfall events.

How will climate change affect Amaroo in the future?

Climate change is projected to exacerbate existing risks, leading to hotter summers, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher bushfire risk. Changes in rainfall patterns could also lead to more intense flooding events.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Amaroo?

To prepare for heatwaves, install energy-efficient air conditioning or fans, ensure proper insulation, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I protect my property from bushfires in Amaroo?

To protect your property from bushfires, create and maintain a firebreak around your property, develop a bushfire survival plan, and stay informed about local emergency services updates.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Amaroo?

Information about flood risks in Amaroo can be found on the ACT Government's Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate website, which provides flood maps and other relevant resources.

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