Climate Risk Profile: Maffra, VIC
Maffra faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also a concern. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity and frequency of these events, requiring proactive adaptation measures.
Is Maffra Safe from Climate Risk?
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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 Maffra
Flood
Maffra has a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Macalister River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·River overflow
Bushfire
Maffra faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier vegetation
Heat
Maffra is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Maffra is located inland and has a very low risk from coastal hazards.
Key drivers:
- ·Distance from coast
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Maffra
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
Maffra is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Maffra has a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Macalister River and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·River overflow
- ·Inadequate drainage
coastal Risk
Maffra is located inland and has a very low risk from coastal hazards.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from coast
bushfire Risk
Maffra faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to the rising risk of flooding and bushfires.
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.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
- 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 improved drainage systems and levees to mitigate flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop Bushfire Management Plans
ImmediateImplement community-based bushfire management plans and conduct regular fire drills.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreEstablish Heatwave Response Strategies
Near-termCreate public cooling centers and provide support for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Long-termEncourage water conservation measures to address potential water shortages due to climate change.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreEnhance Emergency Preparedness
ImmediateImprove community awareness and preparedness for climate-related emergencies through education and training programs.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Maffra's Climate Risk Profile
Maffra, located in the Gippsland region of Victoria, is susceptible to several climate-related hazards. The town's proximity to the Macalister River increases its vulnerability to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change models predict an increase in rainfall intensity, which could exacerbate flood events in the future.
Bushfire risk is also a concern for Maffra, given the surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires, posing a threat to properties and infrastructure. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have evacuation plans in place.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Victoria, and Maffra is no exception. These events can have significant impacts on human health, particularly for vulnerable populations. It is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on elderly neighbors during heatwaves.
While Maffra is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader Gippsland region is experiencing the effects of sea-level rise and coastal erosion. These changes can have indirect impacts on the town, such as disruptions to transportation and supply chains. Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from local government, emergency services, and the community.
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
Wellington Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing Maffra?
Maffra faces risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are projected to increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change.
How is the Wellington Shire Council addressing climate change?
The Wellington Shire Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to reduce the community's vulnerability to climate-related hazards.
What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves in Maffra?
Residents can stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, check on elderly neighbors, and follow advice from health authorities during heatwaves.
Where can I find information about bushfire safety in Maffra?
Information about bushfire safety can be found on the CFA website and through community-based bushfire management programs.
Are there any flood maps available for Maffra?
Flood maps are available on the Wellington Shire Council website, showing areas that are at risk of flooding.
How will climate change affect property values in Maffra?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value, while insurance premiums may increase due to the rising risk of climate-related hazards.
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 Maffra, 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