Climate Risk Assessment for Donnybrook, WA

Donnybrook, Western Australia
Updated Mar 2026

Donnybrook faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and bushfires. The risk of heatwaves is also increasing. Coastal risks are low due to its inland location.

Is Donnybrook Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Donnybrook, Western Australia, 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 Donnybrook

Flood

Donnybrook faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Preston River. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding

Bushfire

The area surrounding Donnybrook has a high bushfire risk due to the presence of significant bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

Donnybrook is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This will increase the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves

Coastal

Donnybrook is located inland and has a low risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

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 Donnybrook

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Donnybrook is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This will increase the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Donnybrook faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Preston River. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Urban development
Data source

coastal Risk

Donnybrook is located inland and has a low risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast
Data source

bushfire Risk

The area surrounding Donnybrook has a high bushfire risk due to the presence of significant bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Fuel load
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and prepare a bushfire plan.
  • 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property value.
  • 4.Review council planning regulations related to climate change.

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

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement community education programs and support residents in preparing their properties for bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Develop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Water Resource Management

Long-term

Implement strategies to conserve water and ensure a sustainable water supply in the face of climate change.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Donnybrook's Climate Risk Profile

Donnybrook, located in Western Australia, is projected to experience increasing climate-related risks in the coming decades. The primary concerns are related to flooding from the Preston River and the increasing threat of bushfires due to the surrounding bushland.

Climate change models predict an increase in rainfall intensity, which will likely exacerbate the risk of flooding in Donnybrook. The Preston River, which runs through the town, could overflow more frequently, impacting residential and commercial properties. Additionally, the risk of flash flooding may increase due to more intense storm events.

The bushfire risk is also expected to rise due to hotter, drier conditions. The surrounding bushland provides ample fuel for fires, and the increasing frequency of extreme heat events will create conditions conducive to bushfires. Residents should be prepared for longer and more intense bushfire seasons.

Heatwaves are also projected to become more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. It is important to take precautions during heatwaves, such as staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned environments.

While Donnybrook is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to agriculture and water resources, could still affect the region.

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 change risks for Donnybrook?

The main climate change risks for Donnybrook are increased flooding from the Preston River, more frequent and intense bushfires, and more severe heatwaves.

How will climate change affect property values in Donnybrook?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions. Increased bushfire risk could also impact property values in some areas.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The Shire of Donnybrook-Balingup is developing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including improving flood defenses and promoting bushfire preparedness.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

You can prepare your property for bushfires by clearing vegetation around your home, installing a fire sprinkler system, and developing a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, you should stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

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 Donnybrook, 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