Climate Risk in George Town, Tasmania

George Town, Tasmania
Updated Mar 2026

George Town faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly flooding and coastal erosion. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Is George Town Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for George Town, Tasmania, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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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.

What the mapping shows for George Town

  • Part of George Town is mapped as subject to coastal inundation.

    0.2% of George Town is mapped as subject to coastal inundation (coastal inundation hazard band, including 1% AEP storm tide at 2100)

  • 5.7% of George Town is mapped as subject to coastal erosion (coastal erosion hazard band mapped for the Tasmanian planning system)

Tasmanian Coastal Inundation Hazard Bands (20161201), State of Tasmania (Department of Premier and Cabinet), Creative Commons Attribution 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-23

This is a share of the suburb's land area from a published state dataset, not an assessment of any property. A ClimateNest report scores the individual address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.

Check an address in George Town →

Climate Hazard Breakdown for George Town

Flood

George Town faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Tamar River and heavy rainfall events. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

The risk of bushfires in George Town is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods and heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures

Heat

George Town is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

George Town faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion, impacting infrastructure and coastal ecosystems.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for George Town

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

George Town is experiencing an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

George Town faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Tamar River and heavy rainfall events. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development
Data source

coastal Risk

George Town faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion, impacting infrastructure and coastal ecosystems.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

The risk of bushfires in George Town is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods and heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Wind patterns
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in areas prone to flooding and coastal hazards.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal hazards.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Develop a plan for extreme weather events.

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

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect against increased flood risk, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness Programs

Immediate

Implement community education programs to improve bushfire preparedness and resilience.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Early Warning System

Near-term

Develop and implement a heatwave early warning system to protect vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Community Resilience Planning

Near-term

Engage the community in developing a comprehensive climate resilience plan.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About George Town's Climate Risk Profile

George Town, located in northern Tasmania, is vulnerable to a range of climate-related hazards. The town's proximity to the Tamar River increases its susceptibility to flooding, especially during periods of heavy rainfall and high tides. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, further elevating flood risk.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, with surrounding bushland creating a potential source of ignition during dry and windy conditions. Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts can exacerbate bushfire risk, threatening homes and infrastructure.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in George Town, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The urban environment can amplify the effects of heatwaves, creating urban heat islands.

Coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion, pose a long-term threat to George Town's coastal areas. Rising sea levels can inundate low-lying areas, damage infrastructure, and erode beaches and shorelines. These changes can impact property values and recreational opportunities.

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 George Town?

George Town faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards, all of which are expected to be exacerbated by climate change.

How is the George Town Council addressing climate change?

The George Town Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including flood management and coastal protection measures. Check their website for details.

What can residents do to prepare for increased flood risk?

Residents can take steps to protect their properties from flooding, such as elevating structures, improving drainage, and purchasing flood insurance. Stay informed about flood warnings and evacuation plans.

How can I protect myself during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

What is the long-term outlook for coastal areas in George Town?

Coastal areas in George Town are at risk from sea level rise and coastal erosion. Long-term planning is needed to protect coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.

Where can I find more information about bushfire risks in George Town?

The Tasmania Fire Service website provides information about bushfire risks, fire danger ratings, and bushfire preparedness.

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 George Town, use our analysis tool.

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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