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Climate Risk in Gunn, NT

Gunn, Northern Territory· City of Palmerston· 0832
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Gunn is a suburb in Palmerston, Northern Territory, that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding and heatwaves, with potential increases in severity due to climate change. Bushfire and coastal risks are relatively low.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
2.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Gunn

increasing

Flood

60/100

Gunn faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The area's flat topography can exacerbate flood risks.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

40/100

Gunn has a relatively low bushfire risk due to the limited presence of dense vegetation in close proximity to residential areas. However, dry grass and scrubland can still pose a threat during the dry season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry season conditions
  • ·Vegetation management
increasing

Heat

70/100

Gunn experiences high temperatures and humidity, particularly during the wet season. Heatwaves can pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

20/100

Gunn is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surge.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coastline
increasing

Wind

42/100

Notable wind risk — tropical cyclone winds

increasing

Storm

42/100

Notable storm risk — cyclones and monsoonal storms

stable

Social

24/100

Moderate social stability — remote communities

increasing

Energy

42/100

Elevated energy costs — year-round cooling

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Gunn

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs

Insurance Costs

Premium estimates and insurance availability

Investment Score

Climate-adjusted property investment analysis

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Gunn experiences high temperatures and humidity, particularly during the wet season. Heatwaves can pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·High humidity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Gunn faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The area's flat topography can exacerbate flood risks.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

20/100

Gunn is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surge.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coastline

Projections (RCP2.6)

2030

2.0

2050

2.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Gunn has a relatively low bushfire risk due to the limited presence of dense vegetation in close proximity to residential areas. However, dry grass and scrubland can still pose a threat during the dry season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry season conditions
  • ·Vegetation management
  • ·Arson

Projections (RCP4.5)

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 heat resilience.
  • 3.Consider potential climate impacts on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Elizabeth River
Elevation Range
10-20 meters
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near waterways

Some areas may be susceptible to flash flooding during intense rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
2-5 km
Planning Overlay
Available from NT Fire and Rescue Service
Bushfire Prone Area
No

Maintain clear firebreaks around properties to reduce risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
15 days

Consider installing air conditioning and shading to mitigate heat exposure.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in parts of Palmerston, including Gunn, disrupting traffic and causing minor property damage.

Source
2014
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in the Top End resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source
2018
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall led to stormwater flooding in some areas of Gunn, affecting local businesses and residences.

Source
2023
heatwaveModerate

Record high temperatures were recorded across the Northern Territory, impacting Gunn and surrounding areas.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.3(+0.3)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal202.02.0

By 2030, Gunn is projected to experience increased flooding and heatwave risks under a high emissions scenario. Rainfall intensity is expected to increase, leading to more frequent and severe flooding events. Higher temperatures will exacerbate heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement heatwave early warning system

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote energy-efficient housing

Long-term

Encourage the construction of energy-efficient homes that are better able to withstand heatwaves and reduce energy consumption.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Create community cooling centers

Near-term

Establish community cooling centers where residents can seek refuge during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Gunn's Climate Risk Profile

Gunn, located in the City of Palmerston, is subject to a range of climate-related risks. Flooding is a significant concern due to heavy rainfall events and the suburb's flat topography, which can lead to stormwater runoff accumulation. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, with increased rainfall intensity potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding events.

Heatwaves are another major concern in Gunn, with high temperatures and humidity posing a risk to vulnerable populations, especially during the wet season. The urban heat island effect can further amplify these risks, making it essential to implement strategies to mitigate heat exposure.

Bushfire risk is relatively low in Gunn due to the limited presence of dense vegetation near residential areas. However, dry grass and scrubland can still pose a threat during the dry season, requiring careful management to prevent fires from spreading.

Coastal risks are minimal in Gunn due to its inland location, reducing the likelihood of impacts from sea level rise and storm surge. However, it is important to consider the potential for indirect impacts from coastal hazards, such as disruptions to infrastructure and supply chains.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NT Fire and Rescue Service · City of Palmerston

Local Government Resources

City of Palmerston

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Gunn?

The main climate risks in Gunn are flooding and heatwaves. Flooding is caused by heavy rainfall events, while heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.

How is the City of Palmerston addressing climate change?

The City of Palmerston has implemented a range of strategies to address climate change, including improving stormwater drainage, promoting energy-efficient housing, and developing a heatwave early warning system.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding?

You can protect your property from flooding by ensuring that your gutters and downpipes are clear, raising electrical appliances off the floor, and having a flood emergency plan in place.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, wear light-colored clothing, and seek refuge in air-conditioned environments.

Are there any community resources available to help me prepare for climate-related events?

Yes, the City of Palmerston and other organizations offer a range of resources to help residents prepare for climate-related events, including information on flood preparedness, heatwave safety, and emergency management.

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