Climate Risk in Molonglo, ACT

Molonglo, Australian Capital Territory
Updated Mar 2026

Molonglo faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. Bushfire risk is moderate and also projected to increase. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Is Molonglo Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Molonglo, 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 Molonglo

Flood

Molonglo faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Molonglo River and other waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff

Bushfire

The risk of bushfire in Molonglo is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation

Heat

Molonglo is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Molonglo is not exposed to coastal risks.

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Molonglo

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Molonglo is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Molonglo faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Molonglo River and other waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development increasing runoff
Data source

coastal Risk

Molonglo is not exposed to coastal risks.

bushfire Risk

The risk of bushfire in Molonglo is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to increased flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire overlays.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.

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 Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood control measures to reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement community education programs and improve bushfire management practices.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Green Infrastructure

Long-term

Increase green spaces and tree cover to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Molonglo's Climate Risk Profile

Molonglo, located in the Australian Capital Territory, is projected to experience significant impacts from climate change. The primary risks include increased flooding due to more intense rainfall events, and more frequent and severe heatwaves.

The suburb's proximity to the Molonglo River makes it vulnerable to riverine flooding. Urban development can exacerbate this risk by increasing surface runoff. Climate projections indicate that rainfall intensity will increase, leading to a higher risk of flooding in the future.

Heatwaves are also expected to become more common and intense, posing a threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect can further amplify these impacts. Residents should take steps to stay cool during heatwaves and ensure they have access to adequate cooling.

While the risk of bushfire is moderate, it is still a concern, especially in areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures can increase the likelihood of bushfires. Residents should be aware of bushfire risks and have a plan in place in case of a fire.

Overall, Molonglo needs to adapt to the changing climate by implementing measures to reduce flood risk, mitigate the impacts of heatwaves, and manage bushfire risk. These measures will help to protect the community and ensure its long-term resilience.

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 in Molonglo?

The main risks are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall, more frequent and severe heatwaves, and a moderate risk of bushfire.

How will climate change affect property values in Molonglo?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value. Increased insurance premiums are also possible.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves?

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

How can I protect my home from bushfires?

Maintain your property to reduce fuel loads, have a bushfire survival plan, and be aware of fire danger ratings.

Where can I find more information about climate change in the ACT?

Visit the ACT Government's climate change website for more information and resources.

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 Molonglo, 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