The Sobering Reality of Climate Risk: What It Means for Australian Homes
- Lee Stewart
- Sep 18
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 25
I had the privilege of joining ABC Radio’s Life Matters to discuss the recently released Australian Climate Assessment Report and its sobering findings.
Australia faces the potential of $600 billion wiped off property values due to climate risk. Even more concerning, the Climate Council warns that by 2030, one in every 25 properties could be uninsurable.
This is not a distant threat. It is already here. The message is clear: it is buyer beware, and sadly, those unable to adapt or move may be left behind.

What Can Homeowners Do to Build Climate Resilience?
While the risks are daunting, there are proactive steps homeowners can take to safeguard their properties and futures:
Understand your property’s exposure. Visit the Climate Council website and enter your postcode to check your risk for flood, fire, and extreme weather events.
Invest in climate-smart upgrades. Measures like shading, insulation, improved water management, and solar energy systems not only improve resilience but can also reduce costs long-term.
Advocate for local action. Push for stronger resilience measures from councils and communities. Collective adaptation is essential for reducing risk across whole regions.
What About Businesses?
Businesses are not immune to these risks. The Insurance Council of Australia provides valuable resources on climate change risks and how companies can assess and address their exposure. For business leaders, resilience planning should now sit alongside financial and operational strategy.
Why Resilience Matters
Resilience is not just about protecting homes. It is about:
Safeguarding livelihoods
Preserving communities
Protecting future generations
The Australian Climate Assessment is a wake-up call but also an opportunity. With awareness, preparation, and action, we can shift from being vulnerable to being resilient.
I will continue to use platforms like ABC Radio and beyond to push the conversation from awareness into action.





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