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Climate Risk Profile: Mataranka, NT

Mataranka, Northern Territory
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Mataranka faces moderate risks from flooding and bushfires, with increasing heat impacts. The primary concerns are riverine flooding from the Roper River and bushfires in the surrounding savanna. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.2
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Mataranka

stable

Flood

65/100

Mataranka faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Roper River. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas and disrupt infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine overflow
stable

Bushfire

42/100

The bushfire risk in Mataranka is moderate. The surrounding savanna grasslands are prone to fires during the dry season, posing a threat to properties and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Lightning strikes
increasing

Heat

70/100

Mataranka experiences high heat levels, particularly during the summer months. Extreme heat events can impact human health, infrastructure, and agriculture.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minimal in Mataranka)
stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risk is negligible in Mataranka due to its inland location.

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 Mataranka

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

Mataranka experiences high heat levels, particularly during the summer months. Extreme heat events can impact human health, infrastructure, and agriculture.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minimal in Mataranka)

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Mataranka faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from the Roper River. Riverine flooding can inundate low-lying areas and disrupt infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine overflow

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.2

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risk is negligible in Mataranka due to its inland location.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

The bushfire risk in Mataranka is moderate. The surrounding savanna grasslands are prone to fires during the dry season, posing a threat to properties and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Lightning strikes
  • ·Human activity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

4.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price fluctuations.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency measures to reduce heat exposure.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Roper River
Elevation Range
50-70m
Flood Zone
Areas adjacent to the Roper River are prone to flooding.

Historical flood events have impacted Mataranka, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and preparedness.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to savanna grasslands
Planning Overlay
Refer to the Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service for bushfire prone area maps.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The dry season increases the risk of bushfires in the area.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
37°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
15 days

Heatwaves are common during the summer months, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

The Roper River experienced moderate flooding, impacting low-lying areas in Mataranka.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Mataranka experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several days.

Source
2020
bushfireMinor

A bushfire occurred near Mataranka, requiring the deployment of fire crews to protect properties.

Source
2023
floodMinor

Minor flooding occurred along the Roper River, causing localized disruptions.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.2(+0.7)
bushfire424.5(+0.3)4.8(+0.6)
heat707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Mataranka is projected to experience slightly increased flood and bushfire risk, with a more significant increase in heat risk due to rising temperatures.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in levees and drainage systems to protect properties from riverine flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Management

Near-term

Implement controlled burns and maintain firebreaks to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Heat Adaptation

Immediate

Provide cooling centers and promote energy-efficient building designs to reduce heat exposure.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Emergency Response

Near-term

Develop and implement comprehensive emergency response plans for flood, bushfire, and heat events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures through workshops and outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Mataranka's Climate Risk Profile

Mataranka, located in the Northern Territory, is subject to a range of climate-related risks. The most significant threat is riverine flooding from the Roper River, which can inundate low-lying areas and disrupt transportation. The risk is expected to remain stable with climate change.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, with the surrounding savanna grasslands prone to fires during the dry season. While the risk is moderate, proactive measures are essential to protect properties and infrastructure. The risk is expected to remain stable with climate change.

Heat is a major concern for Mataranka, with high temperatures during the summer months. Extreme heat events can impact human health, infrastructure, and agriculture. The risk is expected to increase with climate change.

Coastal risks are negligible due to Mataranka's inland location. However, the community should be aware of broader climate change impacts on the region, such as changes in rainfall patterns and increased frequency of extreme weather events.

Adapting to these climate risks requires a combination of individual and community-level actions. Residents should prepare for flooding and bushfires, take steps to reduce their exposure to extreme heat, and support local efforts to build resilience to climate change. The local council plays a crucial role in developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies.

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

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Flood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Mataranka?

The main climate risks are flooding from the Roper River, bushfires in the surrounding savanna, and increasing heatwaves.

How can I prepare my property for flooding?

You can elevate your home, install flood barriers, and ensure proper drainage to reduce flood damage.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors, drink plenty of water, and use air conditioning or fans to stay cool. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I protect my property from bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your home, maintain firebreaks, and have a bushfire survival plan in place.

Where can I find more information about climate change in the Northern Territory?

You can find information on the Northern Territory Government's website and the CSIRO website.

Is Mataranka likely to become uninhabitable due to climate change?

While Mataranka faces climate challenges, with proactive adaptation measures, the community can continue to thrive. Addressing flood, bushfire, and heat risks is crucial for long-term sustainability.

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