Climate Risk Profile: Heavitree, NT

Heavitree, Northern Territory
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Heavitree faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to heat, flooding, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades, potentially impacting property values and community well-being. Residents should take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Heavitree

increasing

Flood

60/100

Heavitree faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Heavitree is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to dry vegetation and hot, dry conditions during the dry season. Climate change may extend the fire season and increase fire intensity.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Prolonged dry periods
increasing

Heat

70/100

Heavitree experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Heavitree faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise and storm surges. The impacts could include inundation of low-lying areas and erosion of shorelines.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Heavitree

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Heavitree experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Heavitree faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Heavitree faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise and storm surges. The impacts could include inundation of low-lying areas and erosion of shorelines.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

The risk of bushfires in Heavitree is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to dry vegetation and hot, dry conditions during the dry season. Climate change may extend the fire season and increase fire intensity.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Prolonged dry periods
  • ·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to bushfires.
  • 3.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise.
  • 4.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency and cooling needs.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local Creeks and Streams
Elevation Range
5-15 meters above sea level
Flood Zone
Areas near waterways are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the creeks. Council maintains drainage infrastructure, but capacity may be exceeded during extreme rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
500m to nearby bushland reserves
Planning Overlay
Refer to NT Fire and Rescue Service for bushfire prone area overlays.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

While not as high-risk as some areas, residents should maintain defensible space around their properties and be aware of fire danger ratings.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
33.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Average January maximum temperature is based on BOM data for the region. Heat stress events are defined as consecutive days above 35 degrees Celsius.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas near the coast are potentially exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Some coastal erosion is present, particularly during storm events.

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas of Heavitree, impacting several residential properties.

Source
2018
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on the electricity grid.

Source
2020
floodMinor

Minor flooding occurred after a period of heavy rainfall, affecting some roads and businesses.

Source
2023
heatwaveModerate

Record high temperatures were recorded during a summer heatwave, impacting vulnerable populations.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday2030205020302050
flood606.2(+0.2)6.4(+0.4)6.3(+0.3)6.6(+0.6)
bushfire404.1(+0.1)4.2(+0.2)4.2(+0.2)4.4(+0.4)
heat707.5(+0.5)7.8(+0.8)7.7(+0.7)8.0(+1.0)
coastal505.2(+0.2)5.4(+0.4)5.3(+0.3)5.6(+0.6)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Heavitree is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk by 2030, with heat and flooding being the primary drivers.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade and maintain drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Heat Action Plans

Immediate

Develop and implement heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen Coastal Defenses

Long-term

Invest in coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and storm surges.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

Encourage water conservation practices to reduce water demand and ensure water security during prolonged dry periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement community education programs on bushfire preparedness, including creating defensible spaces around properties and developing evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Heavitree's Climate Risk Profile

Heavitree, located in the Northern Territory, is vulnerable to a range of climate-related hazards. The primary concerns are increasing temperatures, more intense rainfall events leading to flooding, and the potential impacts of sea level rise on coastal areas.

The risk of flooding is heightened due to the suburb's proximity to waterways and low-lying topography. Climate change projections indicate an increase in rainfall intensity, which could lead to more frequent and severe flood events. This poses a threat to residential and commercial properties, as well as critical infrastructure.

Bushfire risk is present, particularly during the dry season, although it is lower compared to other regions. However, rising temperatures and prolonged dry periods could extend the fire season and increase the intensity of bushfires, posing a threat to properties and human health.

Heavitree already experiences high temperatures, and climate change is expected to exacerbate this issue. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves are projected to increase, posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Sea level rise and storm surges pose a threat to coastal areas of Heavitree. The impacts could include inundation of low-lying areas, erosion of shorelines, and damage to coastal infrastructure. These changes could have significant economic and social consequences for the community.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Heavitree?

The main climate change risks for Heavitree include increased heatwaves, more intense rainfall leading to flooding, and the potential impacts of sea level rise on coastal areas.

How will climate change affect property values in Heavitree?

Properties in high-risk areas, such as those prone to flooding or coastal inundation, may experience a decrease in value due to climate change impacts.

What can I do to protect my home from flooding in Heavitree?

You can protect your home from flooding by elevating your property, installing flood barriers, improving drainage around your home, and purchasing flood insurance.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Heavitree?

You can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, avoiding strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

What is the local council doing to address climate change in Heavitree?

The Northern Territory Government is developing and implementing climate change strategies, investing in infrastructure upgrades, and promoting community awareness programs to address climate change impacts in Heavitree.

Where can I find information on bushfire risks in Heavitree?

Information on bushfire risks in Heavitree can be found on the NT Fire and Rescue Service website, which provides bushfire prone area overlays and safety guidelines.

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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