Climate Risk Assessment for Fremantle, WA

Fremantle, Western Australia· City of Fremantle· 6160
Updated Apr 2026

Fremantle faces increasing climate risks, particularly from coastal hazards and heatwaves. Sea level rise and storm surges pose a significant threat to coastal areas, while rising temperatures exacerbate the urban heat island effect. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Is Fremantle Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Fremantle, Western Australia, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

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Overall Risk Score

Address-level

Hazard Breakdown

Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Fremantle

Flood

Fremantle faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and storm surges. The low-lying areas near the coast and the Swan River are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity

Bushfire

Bushfire risk in Fremantle is relatively low due to its urban environment and coastal location. However, areas bordering parks and reserves may experience some risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation

Heat

Fremantle is experiencing increasing heatwave frequency and intensity. The urban heat island effect exacerbates the impact, particularly in densely built areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urbanisation

Coastal

Fremantle is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards, including sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. The coastline is already experiencing erosion, and inundation is expected to increase.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Fremantle

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Fremantle is experiencing increasing heatwave frequency and intensity. The urban heat island effect exacerbates the impact, particularly in densely built areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urbanisation
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover
Data source

flood Risk

Fremantle faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and storm surges. The low-lying areas near the coast and the Swan River are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
Data source

coastal Risk

Fremantle is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards, including sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. The coastline is already experiencing erosion, and inundation is expected to increase.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal development
Data source

bushfire Risk

Bushfire risk in Fremantle is relatively low due to its urban environment and coastal location. However, areas bordering parks and reserves may experience some risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in areas at high risk of coastal inundation and flooding.

Price Impact

Properties in vulnerable coastal areas may experience a decrease in value due to climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal hazard information.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to sea level rise and storm surges.
  • 3.Consider the potential impact of heatwaves on the property.
  • 4.Inquire about insurance coverage and premiums.
  • 5.Review the City of Fremantle's climate adaptation plans.

How the region's climate is projected to change

Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.

Temperature

+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030

Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.

Rainfall

Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030

The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.

Fire weather

Harsher, magnitude uncertain

High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.

Sea level

+0.12 m by 2030

At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.

Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →

Adaptation Recommendations

Coastal Protection Measures

Immediate

Implement coastal protection measures such as seawalls, groynes, and beach nourishment to protect vulnerable areas from sea level rise and erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Urban Greening

Near-term

Increase urban greening through tree planting and green infrastructure to reduce the urban heat island effect and improve stormwater management.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Improved Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure to improve stormwater management and reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Develop and implement community awareness programs to educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Fremantle's Climate Risk Profile

Fremantle, a historic port city in Western Australia, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include coastal inundation, erosion, heatwaves, and flooding. Sea level rise poses a significant threat to low-lying coastal areas, potentially impacting infrastructure, property, and ecosystems.

Rising temperatures are contributing to more frequent and intense heatwaves, particularly affecting vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban heat island effect further exacerbates the impact of heatwaves in densely built areas.

Changes in rainfall patterns and increased storm intensity are increasing the risk of flooding, particularly in areas near the Swan River and coastal regions. Heavy rainfall events can overwhelm drainage systems, leading to property damage and disruption to transportation networks.

While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other regions in Western Australia, areas bordering parks and reserves may still be susceptible to bushfires, especially during dry periods. It is essential to maintain vegetation and implement fire prevention measures to mitigate this risk.

Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort involving local government, residents, and businesses. Implementing adaptation measures such as coastal protection, urban greening, and improved drainage infrastructure is crucial to building resilience and protecting the community from the impacts of climate change.

Furthermore, reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable transportation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy sources is essential to mitigating the long-term effects of climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for Fremantle.

Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Fremantle?

Fremantle faces increasing risks from coastal inundation, erosion, heatwaves, and flooding due to climate change.

How is the City of Fremantle addressing climate change?

The City of Fremantle is implementing various adaptation measures, including coastal protection, urban greening, and improved drainage infrastructure.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change impacts?

Residents can take steps to protect their properties from flooding and coastal erosion, reduce their energy consumption, and stay informed about climate risks.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Fremantle?

You can find more information on the City of Fremantle's website, the Bureau of Meteorology, and the CSIRO website.

Are there any community groups working on climate change in Fremantle?

Yes, there are several community groups in Fremantle that are working on climate change issues, such as Transition Fremantle and the Fremantle Sustainability Collective.

Get your property's risk report

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What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections