Climate Risk in Macquarie, ACT

Macquarie, Australian Capital Territory· 2614
Updated Apr 2026

Macquarie faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk being relatively low. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly heatwaves and intense rainfall events. Residents should prepare for hotter summers and potential flooding events.

Is Macquarie Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Macquarie, Australian Capital Territory, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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

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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 Macquarie

Flood

Macquarie faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and the potential for flash flooding. Development and urbanization have altered natural drainage patterns, increasing runoff.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development

Bushfire

Macquarie has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its location within a developed urban area. However, proximity to surrounding bushland areas means there is still a potential for ember attack and grass fires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation

Heat

Macquarie is experiencing increasing heatwave intensity and duration. Urban areas tend to trap more heat, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Macquarie is not exposed to coastal risks 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 Macquarie

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Macquarie is experiencing increasing heatwave intensity and duration. Urban areas tend to trap more heat, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding rural areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover
Data source

flood Risk

Macquarie faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from intense rainfall events and the potential for flash flooding. Development and urbanization have altered natural drainage patterns, increasing runoff.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Altered drainage patterns
Data source

coastal Risk

Macquarie is not exposed to coastal risks due to its inland location.

Data source

bushfire Risk

Macquarie has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its location within a developed urban area. However, proximity to surrounding bushland areas means there is still a potential for ember attack and grass fires.

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 energy efficiency upgrades.
  • 4.Evaluate 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 Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Increase Green Spaces

Near-term

Plant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Energy Efficiency

Long-term

Encourage energy-efficient building designs and retrofits to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Immediate

Implement community education programs to raise awareness about climate risks and promote preparedness for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Maintain vegetation around properties and prepare a bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Macquarie's Climate Risk Profile

Macquarie, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is primarily exposed to risks associated with flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's urban environment contributes to the urban heat island effect, increasing the severity of heatwaves. Changes in rainfall patterns are expected to increase the risk of flash flooding.

While the risk of bushfire is lower compared to some other areas in the ACT, Macquarie is still susceptible to ember attacks from nearby bushland. Maintaining vegetation around properties and being prepared for potential bushfire events is important.

Climate change projections indicate that Macquarie will experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as changes in rainfall patterns that could lead to increased flooding. It is crucial for residents and local authorities to implement adaptation measures to mitigate these risks.

These measures include improving drainage infrastructure, increasing green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect, and implementing building codes that promote energy efficiency and resilience to extreme weather events. Community awareness and preparedness are also essential for minimizing the impacts of climate change on Macquarie.

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 risks in Macquarie?

The main climate risks in Macquarie are flooding, heatwaves, and potential ember attack from bushfires.

How will climate change affect Macquarie?

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and extreme rainfall events, leading to increased flooding risk.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Macquarie?

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and use air conditioning or fans to stay cool. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I protect my property from flooding in Macquarie?

Ensure your property has adequate drainage, clear gutters and downpipes, and consider installing flood barriers if you live in a flood-prone area.

What should I do if there is a bushfire near Macquarie?

Stay informed about the fire situation, follow the advice of emergency services, and be prepared to evacuate if necessary. Have a bushfire survival plan in place.

Is my home insurance likely to increase due to climate change?

Potentially, yes. As the risks of flooding and heatwaves increase, insurance premiums may rise to reflect the increased risk of damage to properties.

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 Macquarie, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Macquarie's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

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

Climate Risk Profile for Macquarie, ACT | ClimateNest