Climate Risk in Horsham, VIC
Horsham is a regional city in Victoria that faces moderate climate risks, particularly from flooding and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, potentially impacting infrastructure and vulnerable populations. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is Horsham Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Horsham, 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 Horsham
Flood
Horsham faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Wimmera River and other waterways. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
Bushfire
Horsham has a relatively low bushfire risk compared to other parts of Victoria, but is still susceptible due to surrounding grasslands and bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Horsham experiences hot summers and is vulnerable to heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Heatwave frequency
Coastal
Horsham is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Horsham
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
Horsham experiences hot summers and is vulnerable to heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Heatwave frequency
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Horsham faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Wimmera River and other waterways. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
- ·Urban development
bushfire Risk
Horsham has a relatively low bushfire risk compared to other parts of Victoria, but is still susceptible due to surrounding grasslands and bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Fuel load
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to increased flood and heatwave risk.
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 and water conservation measures.
- 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
Upgrade flood defenses
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to protect against increased flood risk, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave management plan
ImmediateImplement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImprove building energy efficiency
Long-termPromote energy-efficient building design and retrofitting to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance community resilience
Near-termBuild community capacity to prepare for and respond to climate-related disasters through education and training programs.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Horsham's Climate Risk Profile
Horsham is located in the Wimmera region of Victoria and is susceptible to various climate-related hazards. The most significant risks are flooding from the Wimmera River and heatwaves during the summer months. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events, posing challenges for the local community.
The risk of flooding is driven by increased rainfall intensity and riverine flooding. Urban development can also exacerbate flood risk by increasing runoff. The local council has implemented measures to mitigate flood risk, but further action may be needed to adapt to climate change.
Heatwaves are another major concern for Horsham. The city experiences hot summers, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
While Horsham is not directly exposed to coastal risks, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, could indirectly affect the city. It is important for Horsham to adapt to climate change to protect its community and economy.
Adapting to climate change will require a multi-faceted approach, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing adaptation measures, and raising awareness among the community. The local council, businesses, and residents all have a role to play in building a climate-resilient Horsham.
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
Horsham Rural City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Horsham?
The main climate change risks for Horsham are increased flooding, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher risk of bushfires.
How is the Horsham Rural City Council addressing climate change?
The Horsham Rural City Council is developing and implementing strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Check their website for details.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Horsham?
During heatwaves, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
How can I protect my property from flooding in Horsham?
Check flood maps, ensure your property is adequately insured, and take steps to reduce the risk of water damage, such as raising electrical appliances and storing valuables above flood level.
Where can I find more information about climate change projections for Horsham?
You can find more information about climate change projections for Horsham on the Climate Change in Australia website and the CSIRO 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 Horsham, 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