Climate Risk Profile: Bicheno, Tasmania

Bicheno, Tasmania· Glamorgan-Spring Bay· 7215
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Bicheno is a coastal town in Tasmania facing increasing climate risks, particularly from coastal hazards and bushfires. The town's vulnerability is expected to increase with climate change, requiring proactive adaptation measures.

Overall Risk Score

5.2/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
3.0
Coastal
8.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

3.0/10

Bicheno experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves projected. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.5

Data source

flood Risk

4.0/10

Bicheno faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and coastal inundation. The risk is expected to increase with climate change.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

8.0/10

Bicheno faces a significant coastal risk due to sea level rise and erosion. The town's coastal infrastructure and properties are vulnerable to these impacts.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm surge
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.5

2050

9.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

6.0/10

Bicheno has a high bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland and dry conditions during summer. Climate change is projected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased frequency of extreme weather events

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Property values in vulnerable areas may be negatively impacted.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area overlays.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal hazards.
  • 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential climate impacts on property value.
  • 4.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Apsley River
Elevation Range
0-20 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal and riverine flood zones identified

Low-lying areas near the coast and Apsley River are most vulnerable.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
Bushfire-prone area overlay applies
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties near bushland require bushfire protection measures.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
22.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
1 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Significant exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
High erosion risk along exposed coastlines

Historical Climate Events

2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted areas near Bicheno, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2018
stormModerate

Severe storms caused coastal erosion and flooding in Bicheno.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

Record-breaking heatwave impacted Bicheno, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood4.04.5(+0.5)5.5(+1.5)
bushfire6.06.5(+0.5)7.5(+1.5)
heat3.03.5(+0.5)4.5(+1.5)
coastal8.08.5(+0.5)9.5(+1.5)

By 2030, Bicheno is projected to experience increased coastal erosion, more frequent bushfires, and hotter summers under a high emissions scenario.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Coastal Protection Measures

Immediate

Implement coastal protection measures such as seawalls, dune restoration, and managed retreat to protect properties and infrastructure from sea level rise and erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Risk Reduction

Near-term

Reduce bushfire risk through fuel reduction burns, vegetation management, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness

Near-term

Develop a heatwave preparedness plan to protect vulnerable populations, including establishing cooling centers and providing public health advice.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

Long-term

Design and build new infrastructure to be resilient to climate change impacts, including sea level rise, flooding, and extreme weather events.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Bicheno's Climate Risk Profile

Bicheno, a picturesque coastal town in Tasmania, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include coastal inundation, erosion, bushfires, and heatwaves. These hazards pose a threat to the town's infrastructure, environment, and community.

Coastal risks are particularly significant due to sea level rise and increased storm surge. The town's low-lying areas are susceptible to flooding, and coastal erosion threatens properties and infrastructure along the shoreline. Bushfire risk is also high, with the surrounding bushland creating a potential fire hazard during dry periods.

Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a health risk to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Changes in rainfall patterns may also impact water availability and agricultural productivity.

Addressing these climate risks requires a comprehensive adaptation strategy that includes measures to protect coastal areas, reduce bushfire risk, and mitigate the impacts of heatwaves. Community engagement and collaboration are essential to ensure the effectiveness of these efforts.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Tasmanian State Emergency Service · Tasmanian Fire Service · Glamorgan-Spring Bay Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Bicheno?

Bicheno faces significant risks from coastal inundation, erosion, bushfires, and heatwaves due to climate change.

How will sea level rise affect Bicheno?

Sea level rise will increase the risk of coastal flooding and erosion, threatening properties and infrastructure along the shoreline.

What can I do to protect my property from bushfires in Bicheno?

You can reduce bushfire risk by clearing vegetation around your property, maintaining gutters, and having a bushfire survival plan.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Bicheno?

You can find flood maps and information on the State Emergency Service (SES) website and the Glamorgan-Spring Bay Council website.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Bicheno?

The Glamorgan-Spring Bay Council is developing climate adaptation plans and implementing measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the community from climate impacts.

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