Climate Risk in Upwey, VIC

Upwey, Victoria· Yarra Ranges· 3158
Updated Mar 2026

Upwey is a suburb in the Dandenong Ranges with a medium overall climate risk. The primary risks are bushfire and heatwaves, with a moderate risk of flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the severity and frequency of these events.

Is Upwey Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Upwey, 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 Upwey

Flood

Upwey has a moderate risk of flooding due to its location in the Dandenong Ranges and proximity to creeks and waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development

Bushfire

Upwey faces a high risk of bushfire due to its location within the Dandenong Ranges, surrounded by dense vegetation. Hot, dry summers and strong winds exacerbate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation

Heat

Upwey experiences a moderate risk from heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures during summer months. Vulnerable populations are at higher risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Coastal

Upwey has a very low risk of coastal hazards due to its distance from the coastline.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

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Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Upwey

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Upwey experiences a moderate risk from heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures during summer months. Vulnerable populations are at higher risk.

Primary Drivers

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

flood Risk

Upwey has a moderate risk of flooding due to its location in the Dandenong Ranges and proximity to creeks and waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change
Data source

coastal Risk

Upwey has a very low risk of coastal hazards due to its distance from the coastline.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast
Data source

bushfire Risk

Upwey faces a high risk of bushfire due to its location within the Dandenong Ranges, surrounded by dense vegetation. Hot, dry summers and strong winds exacerbate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Strong winds
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the elevated bushfire and flood risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood and bushfire risk maps.
  • 2.Obtain a building inspection report.
  • 3.Review insurance options.
  • 4.Develop a bushfire survival plan.

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

Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan

Immediate

Create a detailed plan for evacuating your property in the event of a bushfire, including designated meeting points and emergency contacts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve Home Insulation

Near-term

Upgrade your home's insulation to reduce energy consumption and improve thermal comfort during heatwaves and cold snaps.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Install a Water Tank

Near-term

Install a rainwater tank to collect and store water for non-potable uses, reducing reliance on mains water during droughts and conserving water resources.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Support Local Emergency Services

Long-term

Volunteer with local emergency services, such as the CFA and SES, to support community resilience and preparedness.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Upwey's Climate Risk Profile

Upwey, nestled in the Dandenong Ranges, faces increasing climate-related challenges. The suburb's location surrounded by dense bushland elevates the risk of bushfires, particularly during hot and dry summer months. Climate change projections indicate a likely increase in the frequency and intensity of bushfire events, posing a significant threat to properties and residents.

Flooding is another concern for Upwey, with local creeks and waterways prone to overflowing during periods of heavy rainfall. Urban development and changes in land use can exacerbate flood risks by increasing runoff and reducing natural drainage. Climate change is expected to further intensify rainfall events, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding.

Heatwaves are also becoming more common and intense in Upwey, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Rising average temperatures and prolonged periods of extreme heat can strain infrastructure and increase energy demand.

While Upwey is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased insurance costs, can still affect the suburb. Residents and property owners should take proactive steps to mitigate these risks and adapt to a changing climate.

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 are the main climate risks in Upwey?

The main climate risks in Upwey are bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase with climate change.

How can I prepare my property for a bushfire?

You can prepare your property by clearing vegetation around your home, maintaining gutters, and developing a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Upwey?

You can find information about flood risks on the Yarra Ranges Council website and the SES website.

How is the Yarra Ranges Council addressing climate change?

The Yarra Ranges Council has a climate strategy that outlines actions to reduce emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

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 Upwey, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

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Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

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