Climate Risk Assessment for Rhyll, Victoria

Rhyll, Victoria· Bass Coast Shire Council· 3923
Updated June 2026

Rhyll, Victoria, faces a medium overall climate risk, with significant threats from coastal inundation and heatwaves. While bushfire risk is lower, sea level rise and increased storm intensity are projected to worsen flood and coastal hazards.

Is Rhyll Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Rhyll, Victoria, 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.

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Rhyll

Flood

Rhyll has a moderate flood risk, primarily due to its low-lying coastal position and proximity to tidal waters. While major riverine flooding is unlikely, storm surges and king tides can inundate low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Bushfire

Rhyll has a low to moderate bushfire risk. While not directly adjacent to large tracts of dense bushland, surrounding vegetation and the potential for ember attack from nearby areas pose a risk, particularly during hot, dry conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Vegetation type
  • ·Weather patterns

Heat

Rhyll experiences a significant heat risk, with a high number of hot days per year and increasing average temperatures. Coastal breezes offer some relief, but prolonged heatwaves can still impact the area.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Coastal

Rhyll faces a high coastal risk due to its low elevation and exposure to the sea. Sea level rise, increased storm surge, and coastal erosion are significant threats to infrastructure and natural environments.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

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Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Rhyll

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Rhyll experiences a significant heat risk, with a high number of hot days per year and increasing average temperatures. Coastal breezes offer some relief, but prolonged heatwaves can still impact the area.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minor)
Data source

flood Risk

Rhyll has a moderate flood risk, primarily due to its low-lying coastal position and proximity to tidal waters. While major riverine flooding is unlikely, storm surges and king tides can inundate low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·King tides
Data source

coastal Risk

Rhyll faces a high coastal risk due to its low elevation and exposure to the sea. Sea level rise, increased storm surge, and coastal erosion are significant threats to infrastructure and natural environments.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

Rhyll has a low to moderate bushfire risk. While not directly adjacent to large tracts of dense bushland, surrounding vegetation and the potential for ember attack from nearby areas pose a risk, particularly during hot, dry conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Vegetation type
  • ·Weather patterns
  • ·Human activity
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increasing premiums and potential for reduced cover in high-risk coastal zones.

Price Impact

Potential negative impact on property values in highly exposed areas, especially with worsening coastal and flood risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and sea level rise projections.
  • 2.Assess proximity to coastal erosion zones.
  • 3.Review bushfire risk and evacuation routes.
  • 4.Investigate local heatwave resilience measures.
  • 5.Understand insurance availability and cost.
  • 6.Inquire about property elevation and drainage.

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

Coastal Defence and Dune Restoration

Near-term

Implement or upgrade coastal defence structures (e.g., seawalls, revetments) and actively restore and vegetate coastal dunes to mitigate erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: $500,000 - $2,000,000+

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan and Cooling Centres

Immediate

Develop a comprehensive heatwave action plan, including establishing public cooling centres and implementing public health campaigns to raise awareness about heat stress.

Est. cost: $50,000 - $200,000

Learn more

Stormwater Management and Flood Mitigation

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage systems and consider nature-based solutions like rain gardens and permeable pavements to manage increased rainfall intensity and reduce localized flooding.

Est. cost: $200,000 - $1,000,000

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness and Fuel Management

Immediate

Maintain defensible space around properties, participate in community fire-safe programs, and ensure adherence to CFA guidelines for vegetation management.

Est. cost: $100 - $1,000 per property

Learn more

Building Code Updates for Resilience

Long-term

Advocate for and adopt updated building codes that incorporate climate resilience, particularly for new constructions in flood-prone and coastal areas.

Est. cost: Variable (integrated into construction costs)

Learn more

About Rhyll's Climate Risk Profile

Rhyll, a charming coastal village on Phillip Island, Victoria, is increasingly exposed to the impacts of climate change. Its low-lying topography and direct adjacency to Western Port Bay place it at a considerable risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise, storm surges, and erosion. While the immediate threat of major riverine flooding is minimal, the combination of higher sea levels and more intense storm events elevates the risk of inundation during extreme weather.

The suburb also experiences a significant and growing risk from heatwaves. With a high number of hot days annually and a clear warming trend, residents are increasingly vulnerable to heat stress. While the coastal location can offer some moderation, prolonged periods of extreme heat, exacerbated by climate change, pose a substantial health and lifestyle challenge.

Bushfire risk in Rhyll is generally considered moderate. Although not surrounded by dense, continuous bushland, the presence of vegetation on Phillip Island and the potential for wind-blown embers mean that fire remains a concern, particularly during dry, hot, and windy conditions. Preparedness and awareness are crucial for mitigating this risk.

Looking ahead, climate projections indicate an intensification of these risks. Sea levels are expected to continue rising, increasing the frequency and severity of coastal inundation and erosion. Heatwaves are projected to become more frequent, longer-lasting, and more intense. These changes will necessitate proactive adaptation and resilience-building measures to protect the community and its environment.

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 is the main flood risk for Rhyll?

The main flood risk for Rhyll is coastal inundation from storm surges and king tides due to its low-lying position on Western Port Bay. Riverine flooding is not a significant concern.

How will sea level rise affect Rhyll?

Sea level rise will increase the frequency and severity of coastal inundation, exacerbate coastal erosion, and potentially impact properties and infrastructure closest to the bay.

Is Rhyll prone to bushfires?

Rhyll has a moderate bushfire risk. While not directly surrounded by dense forests, surrounding vegetation and ember attack from nearby areas are potential concerns during high-risk fire weather.

What are the projected temperature changes for Rhyll?

Projections indicate Rhyll will experience warmer average temperatures and a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing risks of heat stress.

What can residents do to prepare for climate risks in Rhyll?

Residents should develop a household emergency plan, stay informed about weather warnings, maintain properties (e.g., clear gutters, manage vegetation), and consider climate-resilient building or renovation options.

Does Rhyll have specific coastal management plans?

Bass Coast Shire Council is responsible for coastal management and has strategies in place, which may include dune restoration and coastal defence considerations for areas like Rhyll.

Get your property's risk report

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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