Climate Risk in Onslow, WA
Onslow faces significant climate-related risks, particularly from heat, coastal hazards, and flooding. Rising temperatures and sea levels pose a threat to the town's infrastructure and community.
Is Onslow Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Onslow, Western Australia, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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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 Onslow
Flood
Onslow faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. The town's low-lying coastal location makes it vulnerable to inundation.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
Bushfire
The risk of bushfire in Onslow is moderate due to the surrounding arid landscape and vegetation. Hot, dry conditions during the summer months increase the likelihood of fire ignition and spread.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Onslow experiences extreme heat, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures due to climate change are expected to exacerbate heat stress on residents and infrastructure.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Onslow is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards, including sea level rise, storm surge, and coastal erosion. The town's proximity to the coast and low elevation increase its exposure to these risks.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Onslow
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
Onslow experiences extreme heat, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures due to climate change are expected to exacerbate heat stress on residents and infrastructure.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Onslow faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. The town's low-lying coastal location makes it vulnerable to inundation.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Storm surge
coastal Risk
Onslow is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards, including sea level rise, storm surge, and coastal erosion. The town's proximity to the coast and low elevation increase its exposure to these risks.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Onslow is moderate due to the surrounding arid landscape and vegetation. Hot, dry conditions during the summer months increase the likelihood of fire ignition and spread.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Wind
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the rising risk of climate-related disasters.
Price Impact
Properties in low-lying areas may experience a decrease in value due to the risk of flooding and coastal erosion.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of rising insurance premiums.
- 4.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency and cooling needs.
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 Coastal Defenses
ImmediateInvest in seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against sea level rise and storm surge.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImprove Heatwave Preparedness
ImmediateDevelop and implement heatwave early warning systems and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance Flood Management
Near-termImprove drainage infrastructure and implement flood-resistant building codes.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreStrengthen Bushfire Resilience
Near-termImplement bushfire mitigation measures, such as controlled burns and vegetation management.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Long-termEncourage water conservation practices to reduce water stress during periods of drought.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Onslow's Climate Risk Profile
Onslow, located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The town's coastal location and arid climate make it particularly susceptible to rising sea levels, extreme heat, and flooding.
Rising temperatures are expected to exacerbate heat stress on residents, particularly during the summer months. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves are projected to increase, posing a risk to public health and infrastructure. Coastal hazards, including sea level rise and storm surge, threaten to inundate low-lying areas and damage coastal infrastructure.
Flooding from heavy rainfall events and storm surges is also a concern for Onslow. The town's low elevation and proximity to waterways increase its vulnerability to inundation. Changes in rainfall patterns and increased storm intensity are expected to exacerbate flood risk in the future.
Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. Investing in resilient infrastructure, implementing effective emergency management plans, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions are crucial steps to protect Onslow and its community from the impacts of climate change.
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
Shire of Ashburton
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing Onslow?
Onslow is primarily at risk from rising sea levels, extreme heat, and flooding due to its coastal location and arid climate.
How will rising sea levels affect Onslow?
Rising sea levels could inundate low-lying areas, damage coastal infrastructure, and increase the risk of storm surge.
What measures are being taken to protect Onslow from flooding?
The Shire of Ashburton is working to improve drainage infrastructure and implement flood-resistant building codes.
How can residents prepare for heatwaves in Onslow?
Residents can stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
What is the long-term outlook for Onslow's climate?
The long-term outlook suggests that Onslow will experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, rising sea levels, and increased flood risk.
Where can I find more information about climate change in Onslow?
You can find more information on the Shire of Ashburton website, the Department of Fire and Emergency Services website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.
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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