Climate Risk Assessment: Barton, ACT
Barton faces moderate climate risks, primarily from heatwaves and flooding. The suburb's urban environment intensifies the heat island effect, while increased rainfall poses a flood threat. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Barton Safe from Climate Risk?
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Overall Risk Score
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 Barton
Flood
Barton faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and the nearby Molonglo River. Development and urbanisation have altered natural drainage patterns, increasing runoff.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Barton has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban location and limited vegetation. However, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential concern.
Key drivers:
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
Heat
Barton is experiencing increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. The urban heat island effect exacerbates the impact of heat, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Barton is not exposed to coastal risks.
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Barton
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Barton is experiencing increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. The urban heat island effect exacerbates the impact of heat, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Reduced vegetation cover
flood Risk
Barton faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and the nearby Molonglo River. Development and urbanisation have altered natural drainage patterns, increasing runoff.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
bushfire Risk
Barton has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban location and limited vegetation. However, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential concern.
Primary Drivers
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurers are likely to increase premiums in response to increased flood and heatwave risks.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.
- 4.Inquire about council plans for climate adaptation.
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
Improve stormwater drainage
Near-termUpgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreIncrease green spaces
Near-termPlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote water conservation
Long-termImplement water conservation measures to reduce water demand and ensure water security during droughts.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave response plan
ImmediateCreate a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and outreach programs.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Barton's Climate Risk Profile
Barton, located in Canberra, is projected to experience increased climate-related challenges in the coming decades. Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves will pose a significant risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect, caused by the concentration of buildings and paved surfaces, will exacerbate these impacts.
Increased rainfall intensity is expected to increase the risk of flooding in Barton. The suburb's proximity to the Molonglo River and altered drainage patterns contribute to this vulnerability. Effective stormwater management and flood mitigation measures are crucial to protect property and infrastructure.
While bushfire risk is relatively low due to the suburb's urban location, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential concern. Maintaining vegetation and implementing fire safety measures can help reduce this risk.
Adapting to these climate challenges will require a coordinated effort from residents, businesses, and the local government. Implementing sustainable urban planning practices, increasing green spaces, and promoting water conservation can help build resilience to climate change.
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
ACT Government
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Barton?
The main climate change risks in Barton are increased heatwaves and flooding due to more intense rainfall. Bushfire risk is relatively low but still a concern.
How will climate change affect property values in Barton?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value. Increased insurance premiums are also likely.
What is the urban heat island effect and how does it affect Barton?
The urban heat island effect is the phenomenon where urban areas are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to the concentration of buildings and paved surfaces. This effect exacerbates the impact of heatwaves in Barton.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Barton?
Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Consider installing energy-efficient cooling systems and planting trees to provide shade.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Barton?
The ACT Government has a climate strategy that includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve stormwater management, and increase green spaces.
Get your property's risk report
This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Barton, use our analysis tool.
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What A$49 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections