Climate Risk in City, ACT

City, Australian Capital Territory· 2601
Updated Apr 2026

City, ACT, faces a moderate climate risk profile. The primary concerns are increasing heatwave frequency and intensity, and a moderate risk of flooding. Bushfire risk is relatively low but not negligible.

Is City Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for City, Australian Capital Territory, 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 City

Flood

The City area faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and the Molonglo River. Localized flooding can occur in low-lying areas and near drainage systems.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development

Bushfire

The City area has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban nature. However, proximity to surrounding bushland areas means there is still a potential for ember attack and smoke impact during bushfire events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation

Heat

The City area experiences a high risk of heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

The City area has a negligible risk from coastal hazards due to its inland location.

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for City

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

The City area experiences a high risk of heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat events. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced green space
Data source

flood Risk

The City area faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and the Molonglo River. Localized flooding can occur in low-lying areas and near drainage systems.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Aging infrastructure
Data source

coastal Risk

The City area has a negligible risk from coastal hazards due to its inland location.

Data source

bushfire Risk

The City area has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urban nature. However, proximity to surrounding bushland areas means there is still a potential for ember attack and smoke impact during bushfire events.

Primary Drivers

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

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to 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 property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider bushfire risk mitigation measures.
  • 4.Review council'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

Implement urban cooling strategies

Immediate

Increase green space, plant trees, and use cool pavements to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers, provide public awareness campaigns, and protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance bushfire preparedness

Long-term

Implement bushfire risk reduction measures, such as vegetation management and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About City's Climate Risk Profile

City, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is projected to experience increasing climate-related challenges in the coming decades. The most significant risk is the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, exacerbated by the urban heat island effect. This poses a threat to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Flooding is another concern, with potential for localized flooding during heavy rainfall events. The Molonglo River and local drainage systems can be overwhelmed, leading to property damage and disruption to infrastructure. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, further exacerbating this risk.

While the bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other regions, the proximity of City to surrounding bushland areas means that ember attack and smoke impact are potential hazards during bushfire events. It is important for residents to be prepared and aware of bushfire safety measures.

Coastal risks are negligible due to the inland location of City. However, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, could indirectly affect the region. Adaptation measures are needed to mitigate the risks and build resilience to the changing climate.

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 for City, ACT?

The main risks are increasing heatwaves and potential for localized flooding due to heavy rainfall. Bushfire risk is lower but still present.

How will climate change affect property values in City?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value. Increased heatwave risk may also affect property desirability.

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

The ACT Government is implementing various climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, including urban cooling initiatives and stormwater drainage upgrades.

How can I prepare my home for heatwaves in City?

Install air conditioning or fans, improve insulation, and plant trees around your property to provide shade.

Where can I find information about flood risks in City?

You can find flood maps and information on the ACT Environment and Planning Directorate website.

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 City, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

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Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

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