Climate Risk in Higgins, ACT
Higgins faces moderate risks from bushfires, heatwaves and flooding. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. Residents should take steps to prepare for these hazards.
Is Higgins Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Higgins, 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 Higgins
Flood
Higgins faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. Properties in low-lying areas are more vulnerable.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
Higgins has a notable bushfire risk due to its proximity to surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Higgins is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
As Higgins is located inland, the risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion is very low.
Key drivers:
- ·Distance from coast
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Higgins
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
Higgins is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Higgins faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and localised stormwater runoff. Properties in low-lying areas are more vulnerable.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
coastal Risk
As Higgins is located inland, the risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion is very low.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from coast
bushfire Risk
Higgins has a notable bushfire risk due to its proximity to surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can exacerbate the risk during the bushfire season.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
- ·Climate change
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risk of bushfires and floods.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
- 4.Develop a bushfire survival plan.
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
Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan
ImmediateCreate a detailed plan for protecting your family and property in the event of a bushfire. This should include clearing vegetation around your home, preparing an emergency kit, and knowing your evacuation route.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreImprove Home Cooling
Near-termInstall air conditioning or fans to help keep your home cool during heatwaves. Consider planting trees to provide shade and reduce the urban heat island effect.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImprove Stormwater Drainage
Near-termEnsure that stormwater drains around your property are clear of debris to prevent flooding. Consider installing rain gardens or other measures to reduce stormwater runoff.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreStrengthen Community Resilience
Long-termParticipate in community initiatives to prepare for climate change impacts. This could include volunteering with emergency services or joining a local climate action group.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Higgins's Climate Risk Profile
Higgins, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is subject to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to bushland increases its vulnerability to bushfires, particularly during the dry summer months. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire events, posing a significant threat to life and property.
Higgins is also susceptible to flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events that can overwhelm stormwater drainage systems. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable, and climate change is expected to increase the risk of flooding due to more extreme rainfall patterns.
Heatwaves are another growing concern for Higgins. As temperatures rise, the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses increases, especially for vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect can further exacerbate the impact of heatwaves in densely populated areas.
While Higgins is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, could indirectly affect the suburb. Residents should stay informed about climate risks and take steps to prepare for potential impacts.
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 Higgins?
Higgins faces increasing risks from bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding due to climate change. These risks are projected to worsen in the coming decades.
How can I prepare my home for a bushfire?
Clear vegetation around your home, prepare an emergency kit, and develop a bushfire survival plan. Stay informed about bushfire alerts and warnings.
What can I do to stay cool during a heatwave?
Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
How can I reduce my risk of flooding?
Ensure that stormwater drains around your property are clear of debris. Consider installing rain gardens or other measures to reduce stormwater runoff.
Where can I find more information about climate change in the ACT?
Visit the ACT Government's climate change website for information on climate projections, adaptation strategies, and local initiatives.
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 Higgins, 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