Climate Risk in Highett, VIC
Highett faces a medium overall climate risk, with heat and flooding being the primary concerns. The suburb's urban environment exacerbates heatwave impacts, while proximity to waterways increases flood risk. Coastal hazards also pose a threat due to sea level rise.
Is Highett Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Highett, Victoria, 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 Highett
Flood
Highett faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The proximity to waterways increases the potential for inundation.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Highett is relatively low due to its urban location and distance from significant bushland areas. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves can still pose a localized threat.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
Heat
Highett is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Highett faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to Port Phillip Bay. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to inundation of low-lying areas.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Highett
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
Highett is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days. Urban heat island effect exacerbates the risk, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Reduced green spaces
flood Risk
Highett faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The proximity to waterways increases the potential for inundation.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Sea level rise
coastal Risk
Highett faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to Port Phillip Bay. Sea level rise and storm surges could lead to inundation of low-lying areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
- ·Erosion
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Highett is relatively low due to its urban location and distance from significant bushland areas. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves can still pose a localized threat.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
- ·Arson
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to climate-related 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 the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise.
- 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 drainage
Near-termUpgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreIncrease green spaces
Near-termPlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave response plan
ImmediateImplement a heatwave early warning system and provide support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCoastal protection measures
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures such as seawalls and beach nourishment to protect against sea level rise and erosion.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreCommunity education programs
Near-termEducate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Highett's Climate Risk Profile
Highett, located in metropolitan Melbourne, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, and changes in rainfall patterns are expected to intensify existing environmental challenges.
The primary climate risks for Highett include heatwaves, flooding, and coastal inundation. The urban heat island effect amplifies the impact of heatwaves, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Increased rainfall intensity and potential sea level rise contribute to the risk of flooding in low-lying areas.
While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other regions in Victoria, dry vegetation in parks and reserves can still pose a localized threat. It's important to maintain these areas to mitigate any potential fire hazards.
Adapting to these changes will require a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies. These include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving urban planning to reduce the urban heat island effect, enhancing stormwater management systems, and implementing coastal protection measures. Community awareness and preparedness are also crucial for minimizing the impacts of climate change on Highett.
Addressing these challenges proactively will help ensure a sustainable and resilient future for Highett.
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
City of Kingston
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Highett?
The main climate change risks in Highett are heatwaves, flooding, and coastal inundation. Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns are expected to intensify these risks.
How will heatwaves affect Highett residents?
Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing a significant risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban heat island effect exacerbates this risk.
What is the council doing to address climate change?
The City of Kingston has implemented a climate strategy that includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve urban planning, enhance stormwater management, and implement coastal protection measures.
How can I prepare for a heatwave?
You can prepare for a heatwave by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
What should I do during a flood?
During a flood, you should move to higher ground, avoid driving or walking through floodwaters, and follow the instructions of emergency services. It's also important to have an emergency kit prepared with essential supplies.
Is my property at risk of coastal inundation?
Properties in low-lying areas near the coast are at risk of coastal inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. You can check flood maps and consult with the council to assess your property's vulnerability.
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 Highett, 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