Climate Risk Assessment for Barkly, NT

Barkly, Northern Territory
High Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Barkly faces significant climate risks, primarily from extreme heat and flooding. The region is projected to experience increasing temperatures and more intense rainfall events, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities. Residents should prepare for more frequent and severe heatwaves and potential disruptions from flooding.

Overall Risk Score

72/100
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
9.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Barkly

increasing

Flood

65/100

Flooding can occur in Barkly due to heavy rainfall events, particularly during the monsoon season. Low-lying areas are more susceptible.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in river flow
stable

Bushfire

40/100

Bushfire risk in Barkly is moderate, with grasslands and sparse vegetation posing a potential fuel load during the dry season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

90/100

Barkly experiences extreme heat, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Barkly is located inland, so the risk of coastal hazards is very low.

increasing

Wind

60/100

Notable wind risk — tropical cyclone winds

increasing

Storm

60/100

Notable storm risk — cyclones and monsoonal storms

stable

Social

35/100

Moderate social stability — remote communities

increasing

Energy

60/100

Elevated energy costs — year-round cooling

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Barkly

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

90/100

Barkly experiences extreme heat, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

9.3

2050

9.6

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Flooding can occur in Barkly due to heavy rainfall events, particularly during the monsoon season. Low-lying areas are more susceptible.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in river flow
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Barkly is located inland, so the risk of coastal hazards is very low.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bushfire risk in Barkly is moderate, with grasslands and sparse vegetation posing a potential fuel load during the dry season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heat risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heat.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Various creeks and rivers in the Barkly region
Elevation Range
Generally low-lying
Flood Zone
Areas near waterways are prone to flooding

Local knowledge of flood-prone areas is essential for residents.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Variable, depending on location within Barkly
Planning Overlay
Refer to NT Fire and Rescue Service for bushfire prone area overlays
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Maintain vegetation around properties to reduce bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
38°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
15 days

Take precautions during heatwaves, such as staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned environments.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
800 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not applicable
Erosion Risk
Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of the Barkly region, disrupting transportation and affecting some properties.

Source
2019
heatwaveMajor

Record-breaking temperatures were recorded across the Northern Territory, including the Barkly region, leading to heat stress and health concerns.

Source
2023
floodModerate

Significant rainfall events led to localized flooding, impacting roads and infrastructure.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.1(+0.6)
bushfire404.1(+0.1)4.2(+0.2)
heat909.8(+0.8)10.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Barkly is projected to experience a notable increase in heat-related risks, with a smaller increase in flood risk. Bushfire and coastal risks remain relatively stable.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Heatwave Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and implement heatwave action plans, including public awareness campaigns and cooling centers.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risks, such as improved drainage systems and flood barriers.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Management

Near-term

Implement bushfire prevention measures, including controlled burns and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation practices to reduce the impact of droughts and water scarcity.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Barkly's Climate Risk Profile

Barkly is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change due to its location and existing environmental conditions. The primary risks include extreme heat, which already poses a significant challenge to human health and infrastructure, and flooding, which can disrupt communities and damage property.

Rising temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, placing additional strain on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Infrastructure, including power grids and transportation networks, may also be affected by extreme heat.

Changes in rainfall patterns are projected to lead to more intense rainfall events, increasing the risk of flooding in low-lying areas. This can result in damage to homes and businesses, disruption of essential services, and displacement of residents.

While bushfire risk is present, it is not as significant as the risks from heat and flooding. However, residents should still take precautions to protect their properties from bushfires, particularly during the dry season.

Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures, including investments in infrastructure, improved emergency preparedness, and efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NT Fire and Rescue Service · NT Government

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Barkly?

The main climate change risks in Barkly are extreme heat and flooding. Rising temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, while changes in rainfall patterns are projected to lead to more intense rainfall events and increased flood risk.

How will climate change affect property values in Barkly?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions due to increased flood risk. Additionally, rising insurance premiums may also affect property values.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Barkly?

During heatwaves, it is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

What are the local council doing to address climate change?

The local council is working to improve flood defenses, enhance bushfire management, and promote water conservation. Check the council website for more information.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Barkly?

You can find more information about flood risks in Barkly on the Northern Territory Government website, which provides flood maps and data.

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What A$69 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$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections