Climate Risk Assessment for Scarborough, Western Australia
Scarborough faces moderate climate risks, primarily from heatwaves, coastal erosion, and flooding. Rising temperatures and sea levels are expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Scarborough Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Scarborough, 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 Scarborough
Flood
Scarborough faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to coastal areas and low-lying regions. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Bushfire risk in Scarborough is relatively low due to its urban development and coastal location, which limits extensive vegetation. However, nearby reserves pose a potential threat.
Key drivers:
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
Heat
Scarborough experiences a high heat risk, particularly during summer months. Urban areas retain heat, leading to elevated temperatures and potential heat stress for vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Coastal erosion and inundation pose a moderate risk to Scarborough due to its exposed coastline. Sea level rise and storm surges can exacerbate these issues, impacting infrastructure and property.
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 Scarborough
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
Scarborough experiences a high heat risk, particularly during summer months. Urban areas retain heat, leading to elevated temperatures and potential heat stress for vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Rising average temperatures
flood Risk
Scarborough faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to coastal areas and low-lying regions. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
coastal Risk
Coastal erosion and inundation pose a moderate risk to Scarborough due to its exposed coastline. Sea level rise and storm surges can exacerbate these issues, impacting infrastructure and property.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk in Scarborough is relatively low due to its urban development and coastal location, which limits extensive vegetation. However, nearby reserves pose a potential threat.
Primary Drivers
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Increasing premiums due to coastal and flood risks.
Price Impact
Potential for decreased property values in high-risk coastal zones.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion risk assessments.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Review insurance coverage for climate-related risks.
- 4.Consider long-term climate projections for the area.
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 stormwater drainage infrastructure
Near-termImprove drainage capacity to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of localized flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImplement coastal protection measures
Near-termConstruct seawalls, groynes, and other coastal defenses to protect against erosion and storm surge.
Est. cost: Very High
Learn moreDevelop a heatwave management plan
ImmediateEstablish cooling centers, provide public education on heat safety, and implement measures to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance bushfire preparedness
Long-termConduct controlled burns, clear vegetation around properties, and educate residents on bushfire safety.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote water conservation
Long-termEncourage water-wise gardening, install rainwater tanks, and implement water restrictions during dry periods.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Scarborough's Climate Risk Profile
Scarborough, a coastal suburb of Perth, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include heatwaves, coastal erosion, flooding, and bushfire. Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Coastal erosion is another major concern for Scarborough. Sea level rise and increased storm surge intensity are expected to accelerate erosion rates, threatening coastal infrastructure and property. The suburb's proximity to the ocean makes it particularly susceptible to these impacts.
Flooding is also a risk, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. The existing drainage infrastructure may not be adequate to handle the increased intensity of rainfall events predicted under climate change scenarios. This can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding capacity and causing localized flooding.
While bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other parts of Western Australia, nearby bushland areas still pose a potential threat. Drier conditions and higher temperatures can increase the risk of bushfires spreading into the suburb. Proactive measures are needed to mitigate these risks and protect the community.
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
City of Stirling
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Scarborough?
The main climate change risks in Scarborough include heatwaves, coastal erosion, flooding, and bushfire. Rising temperatures and sea levels are expected to exacerbate these risks in the future.
How will climate change affect property values in Scarborough?
Climate change may lead to decreased property values in high-risk coastal zones due to increased erosion and flooding risks. Properties in areas less vulnerable to these impacts may retain their value better.
What is the City of Stirling doing to address climate change?
The City of Stirling has implemented various initiatives to address climate change, including upgrading stormwater drainage infrastructure, promoting water conservation, and developing a heatwave management plan. More information can be found on their website.
How can I prepare my home for heatwaves in Scarborough?
To prepare your home for heatwaves, ensure you have adequate insulation, install air conditioning or fans, and create shaded outdoor areas. Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day.
What should I do during a coastal storm in Scarborough?
During a coastal storm, stay away from the beach and coastal areas. Secure loose objects around your property and be prepared for potential power outages. Follow the advice of emergency services and evacuate if necessary.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Scarborough?
Information about flood risks in Scarborough can be found on the City of Stirling website, including flood maps and risk assessments. You can also contact the council directly for more information.
Get your property's risk report
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*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections