Climate Risk in Swanbourne, WA

Swanbourne, Western Australia
Updated Mar 2026

Swanbourne is a suburb with generally low climate risk, but coastal hazards pose a significant threat. Residents should stay informed about potential impacts and take appropriate adaptation measures. The suburb is projected to experience increasing heat and coastal risks in the future.

Is Swanbourne Safe from Climate Risk?

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

Flood

Swanbourne has a relatively low flood risk. Most properties are not prone to riverine or flash flooding, but localized heavy rainfall events can cause temporary inundation.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rainfall intensity
  • ·Drainage capacity

Bushfire

Swanbourne faces a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to vegetated areas. While the risk is not extreme, residents should be aware and prepared, especially during dry periods.

Key drivers:

  • ·Vegetation density
  • ·Temperature

Heat

Swanbourne experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. Vulnerable populations should take precautions during hot weather.

Key drivers:

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Swanbourne is exposed to coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The suburb's proximity to the coast makes it vulnerable to these impacts, particularly in the long term.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

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Energy

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In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Swanbourne

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Swanbourne experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. Vulnerable populations should take precautions during hot weather.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Swanbourne has a relatively low flood risk. Most properties are not prone to riverine or flash flooding, but localized heavy rainfall events can cause temporary inundation.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rainfall intensity
  • ·Drainage capacity
Data source

coastal Risk

Swanbourne is exposed to coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The suburb's proximity to the coast makes it vulnerable to these impacts, particularly in the long term.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
  • ·Erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

Swanbourne faces a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to vegetated areas. While the risk is not extreme, residents should be aware and prepared, especially during dry periods.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Vegetation density
  • ·Temperature
  • ·Wind patterns
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase over time due to climate-related risks, particularly coastal hazards.

Price Impact

Properties closer to the coast may experience downward pressure on prices due to sea level rise and erosion concerns.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and drainage systems.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.
  • 4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related events.
  • 5.Evaluate energy efficiency and cooling options for heatwaves.

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 Protection Measures

Near-term

Implement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Improved Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of localized flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness Programs

Immediate

Promote bushfire preparedness programs and community education to reduce the risk of bushfire damage.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during periods of extreme heat.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to address potential water scarcity issues related to climate change.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Swanbourne's Climate Risk Profile

Swanbourne, Western Australia, faces a range of climate-related risks, with coastal hazards being the most prominent concern. The suburb's location near the coast makes it vulnerable to sea level rise, storm surges, and coastal erosion. These factors could impact property values and infrastructure in the long term.

While the flood risk is relatively low, localized heavy rainfall events can still cause temporary inundation. Residents should ensure their properties have adequate drainage and be aware of flood warnings.

Bushfire risk is moderate, requiring residents to maintain their properties and be prepared for potential bushfire events, especially during dry periods. Staying informed about fire danger ratings and having a bushfire plan is crucial.

Heat risk is increasing, with projections indicating higher average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions, should take extra precautions during hot weather.

Overall, Swanbourne requires a proactive approach to climate adaptation, focusing on coastal protection, flood management, bushfire preparedness, and heatwave response.

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 facing Swanbourne?

The main climate risks facing Swanbourne are coastal hazards (sea level rise and erosion), heatwaves, and bushfires. Localized flooding can also occur during heavy rainfall events.

How will sea level rise affect Swanbourne?

Sea level rise is expected to increase coastal erosion and inundation in Swanbourne, particularly in low-lying areas near the coast. This could impact property values and infrastructure.

What can I do to prepare for bushfires in Swanbourne?

To prepare for bushfires, maintain your property by clearing vegetation, have a bushfire plan, and stay informed about fire danger ratings. Consider installing fire-resistant landscaping.

How can I protect myself during a heatwave in Swanbourne?

During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about local flood risks in Swanbourne?

Information about local flood risks can be obtained from the City of Nedlands and the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation. Check their websites for flood maps and related resources.

Are there any community initiatives to address climate change in Swanbourne?

Check with the City of Nedlands for information on local community initiatives related to climate change, such as tree planting programs and sustainability workshops.

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 Swanbourne, 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