North Western Australia

Summary of Projected Impacts
North Western Australia is expected to become warmer with more hot days and less cold nights. By 2030 the annual average number of days over 35°C in Broome could grow from the current 54 to 64-119 days and in Halls Creek from 156 to 166-205 days. Growth in peak summer energy demand, due to air-conditioning use, may increase the risk of blackouts. Warmer temperatures and population growth are likely to cause a rise in heat-related illness and death for those over 65. The spread of vector-borne, water-borne and food-borne disease will also likely increase with predictions the mosquito that carries Dengue Fever possibly reaching Port Hedland by 2050. These health issues may increase pressure on medical and hospital services. Although not quantified, increased stress on water supply is possible due to increased demand and climate-driven changes, such as higher evaporation reducing runoff to rivers and a possible small decline in annual rainfall. More frequent and severe droughts are likely. Increases in extreme storm events are expected to cause more flash flooding affecting industry and infrastructure, including water, sewerage and stormwater, transport and communications, and may challenge emergency services. In coastal areas infrastructure is vulnerable to sea level rise and inundation. Some agricultural crops may benefit from higher CO₂ concentrations however protein content is likely to decline. More hot days and less rainfall may also reduce yields and livestock will adversely affected by greater heat stress. Some centres dependent upon agriculture may be adversely affected.
Central Kimberley, Western Australia

Summary of Projected Impacts

North Western Australia is expected to become warmer with more hot days and less cold nights.
By 2030 the annual average number of days over 35°C in Broome could grow from the current 54 to 64-119 days and in Halls Creek from 156 to 166-205 days.
Growth in peak summer energy demand, due to air-conditioning use, may increase the risk of blackouts.
Warmer temperatures and population growth are likely to cause a rise in heat-related illness and death for those over 65.
The spread of vector-borne, water-borne and food-borne disease will also likely increase with predictions the mosquito that carries Dengue Fever possibly reaching Port Hedland by 2050. These health issues may increase pressure on medical and hospital services.
Although not quantified, increased stress on water supply is possible due to increased demand and climate-driven changes, such as higher evaporation reducing runoff to rivers and a possible small decline in annual rainfall.
More frequent and severe droughts are likely.
Increases in extreme storm events are expected to cause more flash flooding affecting industry and infrastructure, including water, sewerage and stormwater, transport and communications, and may challenge emergency services.
In coastal areas infrastructure is vulnerable to sea level rise and inundation.
Some agricultural crops may benefit from higher CO₂ concentrations however protein content is likely to decline.
More hot days and less rainfall may also reduce yields and livestock will adversely affected by greater heat stress. Some centres dependent upon agriculture may be adversely affected.

Map showing North Western Australia Region

Central Kimberley, Western Australia

Photographs: IBRA Regions

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North Western Australia