Climate Risk Assessment: Stuart Park, NT

Stuart Park, Northern Territory· Darwin· 0820
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Stuart Park is a suburb in Darwin, NT, that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards, which are expected to worsen with climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and consider adaptation measures.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Stuart Park

increasing

Flood

60/100

Stuart Park faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to coastal waters. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Stuart Park is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to nearby vegetation. Dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns
increasing

Heat

70/100

Stuart Park experiences high temperatures and humidity, particularly during the wet season. Climate change is expected to exacerbate heat stress, increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased humidity
increasing

Coastal

60/100

As a coastal suburb, Stuart Park is vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surges. Coastal erosion and inundation pose a threat to infrastructure and property.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge 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 Stuart Park

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Stuart Park experiences high temperatures and humidity, particularly during the wet season. Climate change is expected to exacerbate heat stress, increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased humidity
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Stuart Park faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to coastal waters. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff exceeding drainage capacity.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

60/100

As a coastal suburb, Stuart Park is vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surges. Coastal erosion and inundation pose a threat to infrastructure and property.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Stuart Park is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to nearby vegetation. Dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns
  • ·Land management practices

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood history of the property.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency measures to mitigate heat stress.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Darwin Harbour
Elevation Range
0-10 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal Flood Zone

Stuart Park has experienced several flooding events in recent years, highlighting the need for improved drainage and flood management strategies.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
1-2 km
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

While not a primary risk, bushfire risk is elevated during the dry season due to surrounding vegetation.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
15 days

Darwin experiences high humidity, which exacerbates the effects of heatwaves. Heat stress is a significant concern for vulnerable populations.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused widespread flooding in Darwin, including Stuart Park, resulting in property damage and road closures.

Source
2018
heatwaveModerate

Darwin experienced a prolonged heatwave with record-breaking temperatures, leading to increased hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses.

Source
2023
floodMinor

Localized flooding occurred in Stuart Park due to heavy rainfall, causing minor disruptions to traffic and businesses.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.2(+0.2)6.8(+0.8)
bushfire303.1(+0.1)3.3(+0.3)
heat707.4(+0.4)8.5(+1.5)
coastal606.3(+0.3)7.2(+1.2)

By 2030, under a moderate emissions scenario, Stuart Park is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heat and coastal hazards.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Construct seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against sea level rise and storm surges.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote Energy Efficiency

Immediate

Encourage the use of energy-efficient appliances and building materials to reduce the urban heat island effect and lower energy consumption.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plans

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Stuart Park's Climate Risk Profile

Stuart Park, located in Darwin, Northern Territory, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying coastal location makes it particularly susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and rising sea levels. The combination of these factors poses a significant threat to residential and commercial properties.

Heatwaves are another major concern for Stuart Park. The already high temperatures in Darwin are projected to increase, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves. This can have serious health implications, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions.

Coastal hazards, including erosion and storm surges, also pose a threat to Stuart Park. Sea level rise is expected to exacerbate these hazards, potentially leading to property damage and displacement of residents. Protecting coastal areas through appropriate planning and infrastructure is crucial.

Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements, such as improved drainage systems and coastal defenses, as well as implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Community engagement and education are also essential to ensure that residents are aware of the risks and prepared to take action.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NT Emergency Services · City of Darwin

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Stuart Park?

The main climate change risks in Stuart Park are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges.

How is the City of Darwin addressing climate change?

The City of Darwin has implemented a climate change strategy that includes measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve energy efficiency, and adapt to the impacts of climate change.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?

Residents 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 should I do if my property is flooded?

If your property is flooded, prioritize your safety and the safety of your family. Contact emergency services if necessary, and avoid contact with floodwater, which may be contaminated. Document the damage for insurance purposes.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Stuart Park?

You can find more information about flood risks in Stuart Park on the City of Darwin website, the Northern Territory Government website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.

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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