Climate Risk in Harrison, Australian Capital Territory
Harrison is a suburb in the Australian Capital Territory that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are increasing flood and heatwave risks, with bushfire risk being relatively lower. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Harrison Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Harrison, 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 Harrison
Flood
Harrison faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The area's topography and drainage infrastructure contribute to this risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Harrison is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to proximity to grasslands and some surrounding bushland. Grassfires are the primary concern.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High winds
Heat
Harrison is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly during summer months.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
As an inland suburb, Harrison has negligible coastal risk.
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Harrison
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
Harrison is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, particularly during summer months.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Harrison faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The area's topography and drainage infrastructure contribute to this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Aging infrastructure
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Harrison is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to proximity to grasslands and some surrounding bushland. Grassfires are the primary concern.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High winds
- ·Human activity
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Premiums may increase due to flood and heat risks.
Price Impact
Potential for moderate price impact in the long term.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess property's heat resistance.
- 3.Consider bushfire risk mitigation measures.
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 flood risk.
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-termEncourage water conservation measures to reduce strain on water resources during droughts and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreDevelop community emergency plans
ImmediateCreate community-based emergency plans to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Harrison's Climate Risk Profile
Harrison, located in the Gungahlin district of Canberra, is projected to experience increasing climate-related challenges in the coming decades. The suburb's vulnerability to flooding is expected to rise due to more intense rainfall events, potentially impacting properties and infrastructure. Mitigation strategies, such as improved stormwater management, are crucial to address this growing threat.
Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and severe, posing health risks to residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban heat island effect exacerbates this issue, making it essential to implement measures to reduce urban temperatures, such as increasing green spaces and using cool building materials.
While the risk of bushfires is relatively lower compared to other regions, it is still a concern, particularly during dry periods. Maintaining vegetation and implementing fire safety measures are important to minimize the potential for bushfire impacts.
Coastal risks are negligible due to Harrison's inland location. However, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, could indirectly affect the suburb. Therefore, a comprehensive approach to climate adaptation is necessary to ensure the long-term resilience of Harrison.
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 Harrison?
The main risks are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall, more frequent and severe heatwaves, and a moderate risk of bushfires.
How will climate change affect property values in Harrison?
Climate change may have a moderate impact on property values in the long term, particularly for properties in flood-prone areas or those vulnerable to heatwaves.
What can I do to prepare my home for extreme weather events?
You can improve your home's insulation, install water tanks, create a bushfire action plan, and ensure your property is adequately insured.
Where can I find information about local emergency services?
You can find information about local emergency services on the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) website.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Harrison?
The ACT Government is implementing a range of climate change mitigation and adaptation strategies, including improving stormwater management, increasing green spaces, and promoting water conservation.
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 Harrison, 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