Climate Risk Assessment for Livingstone, NT

Livingstone, Northern Territory· 0822
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Livingstone faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to increase the severity and frequency of these events, requiring proactive adaptation measures.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Livingstone

increasing

Flood

60/100

Livingstone faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and nearby waterways. The risk is expected to increase with climate change due to more intense rainfall.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Livingstone has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hot, dry conditions during the dry season increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry climate
  • ·Vegetation density
increasing

Heat

70/100

Livingstone experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is expected to exacerbate heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Livingstone has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coast. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast
  • ·Limited exposure to sea level rise
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 Livingstone

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Livingstone experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is expected to exacerbate heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Livingstone faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and nearby waterways. The risk is expected to increase with climate change due to more intense rainfall.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Livingstone has a low coastal risk due to its distance from the coast. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant threats.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast
  • ·Limited exposure to sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Livingstone has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hot, dry conditions during the dry season increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry climate
  • ·Vegetation density
  • ·Increased temperatures

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Ensure adequate bushfire protection measures are in place.
  • 4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related risks.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Elizabeth River
Elevation Range
5-20 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near Elizabeth River are prone to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that properties near the Elizabeth River are most vulnerable.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
1-5 km
Planning Overlay
Refer to NT Fire and Rescue Service for bushfire prone area overlays.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area experiences dry conditions during the dry season, increasing bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

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

The suburb experiences several days above 35°C during the summer months.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
25 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Livingstone, impacting several homes and businesses.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions due to heat-related illnesses.

Source
2020
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Livingstone caused smoke haze and prompted evacuation warnings for some residents.

Source
2023
floodModerate

Significant rainfall event led to flash flooding, impacting local infrastructure and residences.

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)8.0(+1.0)7.7(+0.7)8.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.01.01.0

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Livingstone is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by more frequent and intense heatwaves and increased flood risk.

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 Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as creating firebreaks, conducting controlled burns, and educating residents about bushfire safety.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water stress during periods of drought and high temperatures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Community Resilience

Long-term

Develop community-based adaptation strategies to build resilience to climate change impacts, including establishing emergency response teams and promoting social cohesion.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Livingstone's Climate Risk Profile

Livingstone, located in the Northern Territory, is subject to a range of climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding due to intense rainfall, heatwaves during the summer months, and the potential for bushfires in the surrounding areas.

Flooding is a significant concern, as heavy rainfall events can overwhelm local drainage systems and cause property damage. The risk is exacerbated by climate change, which is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall events. Residents should be aware of flood warnings and take appropriate precautions.

Heatwaves are another major risk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are expected to increase the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses. Staying hydrated and seeking shelter during the hottest parts of the day are crucial.

Bushfires pose a moderate risk, especially during the dry season when vegetation is dry and flammable. While Livingstone is not directly adjacent to large areas of bushland, embers can travel long distances and ignite fires in residential areas. Maintaining clear firebreaks and being aware of fire danger ratings are important.

Coastal risks are relatively low due to the suburb's distance from the coast. However, it's important to monitor long-term trends in sea level rise and coastal erosion to ensure that future risks remain manageable.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NT Emergency Services · Litchfield Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Livingstone?

The main climate change risks in Livingstone are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall, more frequent and severe heatwaves, and a moderate risk of bushfires.

How will climate change affect property values in Livingstone?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value, while properties that are well-protected from heatwaves and bushfires may retain their value better.

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

You can improve drainage around your property, install flood barriers, and ensure that your home is properly insured against flood damage.

What are the best ways to stay cool during heatwaves in Livingstone?

Stay hydrated, seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires in Livingstone?

Create a firebreak around your property, clear away dry vegetation, and have a bushfire survival plan in place.

Where can I find information about emergency services during a climate event?

You can find information about emergency services on the NT Police, Fire and Emergency Services website.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Livingstone, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Livingstone's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

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