Climate Risk Profile: Macarthur, ACT
Macarthur faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly in relation to increased rainfall intensity and higher average temperatures. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is macarthur Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for macarthur, 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 macarthur
Flood
Macarthur faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby waterways. Development patterns and stormwater management contribute to the risk profile.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Macarthur is moderate due to its proximity to grasslands and some wooded areas. While not directly surrounded by dense forest, ember attack and grassfires pose a threat during dry periods.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
Heat
Macarthur experiences a notable risk from heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days projected. Vulnerable populations are particularly at risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
As an inland suburb, Macarthur has a negligible risk associated with coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.
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 macarthur
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
Macarthur experiences a notable risk from heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days projected. Vulnerable populations are particularly at risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Climate change
flood Risk
Macarthur faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential overflow from nearby waterways. Development patterns and stormwater management contribute to the risk profile.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Stormwater capacity
coastal Risk
As an inland suburb, Macarthur has a negligible risk associated with coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from coast
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Macarthur is moderate due to its proximity to grasslands and some wooded areas. While not directly surrounded by dense forest, ember attack and grassfires pose a threat during dry periods.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
- ·Ember attack
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 negative impact on property values.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess property's bushfire risk and mitigation measures.
- 3.Consider energy efficiency and cooling options for heatwaves.
- 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
Improve stormwater infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade stormwater drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImplement heatwave early warning system
ImmediateDevelop a system to alert vulnerable residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on staying safe.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreEnhance bushfire preparedness
Near-termConduct community education programs on bushfire safety and implement vegetation management strategies.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote water conservation
Long-termEncourage residents to conserve water through rebates and educational campaigns to reduce strain on water resources during droughts.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreIncrease urban green space
Long-termPlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout macarthur's Climate Risk Profile
Macarthur, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is subject to a range of climate-related risks. Flooding is a primary concern due to increased rainfall intensity and potential overflow from nearby waterways. The suburb's development patterns and stormwater management infrastructure play a crucial role in mitigating this risk.
Bushfire risk is moderate, with the potential for grassfires and ember attacks during dry periods. While not directly surrounded by dense forest, the proximity to grasslands necessitates preparedness and preventative measures.
Heatwaves pose a significant threat, with rising average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days projected. Vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk during these events.
Coastal risks are negligible due to Macarthur's inland location. However, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, may indirectly affect the suburb. Adaptation measures are essential to build resilience and protect the community from the impacts of 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 risks facing Macarthur?
Macarthur faces primary risks from flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
How can I prepare my home for a flood?
You can prepare your home by elevating appliances, clearing gutters and downpipes, and having an emergency plan in place. Check the ACT Government's flood maps to understand your property's risk.
What should I do during a heatwave?
During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
How can I protect my property from bushfires?
You can protect your property by maintaining a clear buffer zone around your home, removing flammable materials, and having a bushfire survival plan. Stay informed about fire danger ratings and warnings.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Macarthur?
The ACT Government is implementing a range of climate adaptation and mitigation strategies, including upgrading stormwater infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, and increasing urban green space. Refer to the ACT Climate Change Strategy for more details.
Where can I find information about emergency services in Macarthur?
Information about emergency services, including bushfire and flood warnings, can be found on the ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) 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 macarthur, 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