Climate Risk in Calwell, ACT
Calwell is a suburb in the Australian Capital Territory that faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should take steps to prepare for these hazards.
Is Calwell Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Calwell, Australian Capital Territory, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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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 Calwell
Flood
Calwell faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. Some areas are more susceptible due to lower elevation and proximity to drainage lines.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Calwell has a relatively high bushfire risk due to its proximity to grassland and bushland areas. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Calwell experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. Vulnerable populations are at higher risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Calwell is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Calwell
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
Calwell experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. Vulnerable populations are at higher risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Calwell faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. Some areas are more susceptible due to lower elevation and proximity to drainage lines.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
bushfire Risk
Calwell has a relatively high bushfire risk due to its proximity to grassland and bushland areas. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can exacerbate the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
- ·Climate change
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Home insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves.
Price Impact
Properties in areas with higher flood or bushfire risk may experience some price impact.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
- 3.Consider the cost of insurance and potential for increased premiums.
- 4.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency and ability to withstand heatwaves.
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 drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of localised flooding during heavy rainfall events.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreReduce bushfire fuel loads
ImmediateImplement regular vegetation management programs to reduce fuel loads in areas surrounding Calwell, particularly near grassland reserves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePromote energy efficiency
Long-termEncourage residents to adopt energy-efficient practices and technologies to reduce their carbon footprint and mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave response plan
Near-termCreate a community-based heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations during periods of extreme heat.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreInstall rainwater tanks
Long-termEncourage the installation of rainwater tanks to reduce stormwater runoff and provide a supplementary water source.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Calwell's Climate Risk Profile
Calwell, located in the southern part of Canberra, is a residential suburb with a mix of housing types and green spaces. The suburb's climate is characterized by warm summers and cool winters, with rainfall distributed throughout the year.
Flooding is a concern in some parts of Calwell, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. The local topography and drainage systems can contribute to localised flooding. Residents should be aware of flood risks and take appropriate precautions.
Bushfire risk is also a factor in Calwell, given its proximity to grassland and bushland areas. During hot, dry summers, the risk of bushfires increases, and residents need to be prepared to respond to bushfire threats.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Canberra, including Calwell. High temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations. Residents should take steps to stay cool and hydrated during heatwave events.
While Calwell is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as changes in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures, can still affect the suburb.
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 risks in Calwell?
The main climate risks in Calwell are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.
How can I prepare my property for flooding in Calwell?
You can prepare your property for flooding by clearing gutters and downpipes, raising electrical outlets, and storing valuables in a safe place. Check the ACT Government flood maps to understand your property's risk.
What should I do during a bushfire in Calwell?
During a bushfire, follow the advice of emergency services. If you are in a high-risk area, evacuate early. If you are staying to defend your property, have a bushfire survival plan in place.
How can I stay cool during a heatwave in Calwell?
During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbours and family members.
Where can I find more information about climate change in the ACT?
You can find more information about climate change in the ACT on the ACT Government's Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate website.
Are there any community groups in Calwell focused on climate action?
Check with the ACT Government or local community centers for information on climate action groups in the Calwell area.
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 Calwell, 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