Climate Risk Assessment for Sunset Strip, Victoria

Sunset Strip, Victoria· Bass Coast Shire Council· 3940
Updated June 2026

Sunset Strip faces a medium overall climate risk, driven significantly by high coastal and heat risks. While bushfire risk is lower, increasing sea levels and storm intensity pose a growing threat to this coastal community.

Is Sunset Strip Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Sunset Strip, 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 Sunset Strip

Flood

Moderate flood risk due to proximity to coastal waterways and potential for storm surge inundation.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Bushfire

Low to moderate bushfire risk, primarily associated with scattered vegetation and potential for ember attack.

Key drivers:

  • ·Vegetation type
  • ·Weather patterns

Heat

High heat risk due to coastal location which can trap heat, and increasing frequency of extreme heat days.

Key drivers:

  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Climate change

Coastal

High coastal risk due to low elevation, exposure to wave action, and projected sea level rise.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Coastal erosion

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Sunset Strip

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

High heat risk due to coastal location which can trap heat, and increasing frequency of extreme heat days.

Primary Drivers

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

flood Risk

Moderate flood risk due to proximity to coastal waterways and potential for storm surge inundation.

Primary Drivers

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

coastal Risk

High coastal risk due to low elevation, exposure to wave action, and projected sea level rise.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Coastal erosion
  • ·Storm surge
Data source

bushfire Risk

Low to moderate bushfire risk, primarily associated with scattered vegetation and potential for ember attack.

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 due to high coastal and flood risk.

Price Impact

Potential for negative impact on property values in high-risk zones, especially for coastal properties.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Review current and future flood maps
  • 2.Check insurance policy details and exclusions
  • 3.Assess bushfire preparedness measures
  • 4.Investigate local coastal adaptation plans
  • 5.Understand heatwave resilience features of the property

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 Dune Restoration and Protection

Near-term

Implement programs to restore and enhance coastal dune systems to act as natural buffers against storm surges and erosion.

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

Learn more

Upgrade Stormwater Infrastructure

Near-term

Invest in upgrading stormwater drainage systems to better manage increased rainfall intensity and reduce localised flooding.

Est. cost: $100,000 - $500,000

Learn more

Promote Water-Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD)

Long-term

Encourage the adoption of WSUD principles in new developments and retrofits to manage stormwater runoff and improve water quality.

Est. cost: $20,000 - $100,000 per property

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Action Plan

Immediate

Create a community-specific heatwave action plan, including identifying cooling centres and supporting vulnerable residents.

Est. cost: $10,000 - $30,000

Learn more

Bushfire Risk Mitigation

Near-term

Implement property-level bushfire risk reduction measures, such as maintaining defendable space and using fire-resistant building materials.

Est. cost: $5,000 - $25,000

Learn more

About Sunset Strip's Climate Risk Profile

Sunset Strip, located within the Bass Coast Shire, is a coastal locality known for its scenic beaches and relaxed lifestyle. However, its low-lying coastal position makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, especially sea level rise and increased storm activity. The suburb experiences a moderate flood risk, exacerbated by potential storm surges and the proximity to coastal waterways.

Heatwaves are a growing concern for Sunset Strip. With increasing average temperatures and a higher frequency of extreme heat days, residents are exposed to significant heat stress. The coastal location can sometimes trap heat, intensifying the effects, particularly during prolonged heatwave events. This necessitates proactive measures for cooling and health protection.

The bushfire risk, while generally lower than in some other parts of Victoria, cannot be entirely dismissed. Scattered vegetation and the potential for ember attack during high-risk weather conditions mean that preparedness remains crucial. Understanding local bushfire behaviour and maintaining defensible space around properties are important considerations.

Coastal erosion and inundation are perhaps the most significant long-term threats to Sunset Strip. Projected sea level rise, coupled with more intense storm events, will likely lead to increased shoreline erosion and a greater risk of coastal flooding, impacting infrastructure and property values. Adaptation strategies focusing on coastal defence and retreat will be essential for the suburb's future resilience.

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 primary climate risk for Sunset Strip?

The primary climate risks for Sunset Strip are coastal inundation, erosion, and increased storm intensity due to its low-lying coastal location. Heatwaves are also a significant and growing concern.

How will sea level rise affect Sunset Strip?

Sea level rise is projected to increase the frequency and severity of coastal flooding and erosion, potentially impacting properties, infrastructure, and beach access along the coast.

Is Sunset Strip prone to bushfires?

Sunset Strip is designated as a Bushfire Prone Area, meaning there is a risk, although it is generally considered lower than in heavily forested areas. Preparedness is still essential, especially during hot, dry, and windy conditions.

What can homeowners do to prepare for climate risks in Sunset Strip?

Homeowners can prepare by reviewing flood and bushfire maps, ensuring adequate home and contents insurance, maintaining defensible space around properties, and implementing water-saving and cooling strategies.

Where can I find more information on climate change impacts in Bass Coast Shire?

More information can be found on the Bass Coast Shire Council's website, particularly in their environment and climate change sections, and through state government resources like DELWP and VICSES.

Are there any local adaptation plans for coastal change in Sunset Strip?

The Bass Coast Shire Council is responsible for developing and implementing local adaptation plans. Residents should check the council's website for updates on coastal management strategies and community consultations.

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 Sunset Strip, 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