Climate Risk Assessment: Tiwi, NT

Tiwi, Northern Territory· UNKNOWN· 0810
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Tiwi, NT, faces moderate climate risks, particularly from flooding, heat, and coastal hazards. Rising temperatures and sea levels pose significant challenges to the suburb's infrastructure and residents.

Overall Risk Score

5.5/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.0/10

Tiwi experiences a high heat risk due to its tropical climate. Rising temperatures and increased humidity can lead to heat stress, particularly during the wet season.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.5

Data source

flood Risk

6.0/10

Tiwi faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

6.0/10

Tiwi faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and storm surge. Its low-lying coastal location makes it vulnerable to inundation and erosion.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

3.0/10

The bushfire risk in Tiwi is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present. The presence of vegetation and dry conditions during the dry season can contribute to fire risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry season conditions
  • ·Vegetation density
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Increased premiums and potential coverage limitations due to flood and coastal risks.

Price Impact

Potential for decreased property values in areas most vulnerable to flooding and coastal erosion.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion risk assessments.
  • 2.Assess property's elevation and proximity to waterways.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance coverage for flood and coastal hazards.
  • 4.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Arafura Sea
Elevation Range
0-10m
Flood Zone
Coastal Flood Zone

Tiwi's proximity to the Arafura Sea and low elevation make it susceptible to coastal flooding during storm surges and king tides.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
Bushfire Management Zone
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The presence of native vegetation around Tiwi increases the potential for bushfire spread, particularly during the dry season.

Heat Evidence

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

Tiwi experiences frequent heatwave conditions during the wet season, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Tiwi, disrupting traffic and damaging some properties.

Source
2015
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions for heat-related illnesses in the Darwin region, including Tiwi.

Source
2018
stormMinor

A severe thunderstorm brought strong winds and heavy rainfall to Tiwi, causing minor damage to trees and power lines.

Source
2023
floodModerate

Heavy monsoon rains caused flash flooding in parts of Tiwi, leading to road closures and some property damage.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.06.2(+0.2)6.8(+0.8)
bushfire3.03.1(+0.1)3.2(+0.2)
heat7.07.5(+0.5)8.5(+1.5)
coastal6.06.4(+0.4)7.2(+1.2)

By 2030, under a moderate emissions scenario (RCP4.5), Tiwi is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk. The most significant changes are expected in heat and coastal hazards, with rising temperatures and sea levels posing increased challenges.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Improve the capacity of stormwater drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of localized flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement a heatwave early warning system

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect and restore coastal ecosystems

Long-term

Conserve and rehabilitate mangrove forests and other coastal ecosystems to provide natural protection against erosion and storm surge.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Raise awareness about climate risks

Near-term

Conduct community education campaigns to inform residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Tiwi's Climate Risk Profile

Tiwi, located in the Northern Territory, is susceptible to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's low-lying coastal location increases its vulnerability to flooding from intense rainfall events and storm surges. Sea level rise further exacerbates this risk, potentially leading to inundation of coastal areas and damage to infrastructure.

Heat is another significant concern for Tiwi. The region already experiences high temperatures and humidity, and climate change is expected to worsen these conditions. This can lead to heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

While the bushfire risk in Tiwi is relatively lower compared to other regions, it is still a factor to consider. Dry conditions during the dry season can increase the risk of bushfires, which can pose a threat to property and human life.

Adapting to these climate risks will require a multi-faceted approach, including investments in infrastructure improvements, community awareness campaigns, and emergency preparedness planning. By taking proactive measures, Tiwi can enhance its resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NT Emergency Services · NT Government

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Tiwi?

Tiwi faces significant risks from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to climate change. Rising sea levels and increased rainfall intensity are expected to worsen these hazards.

How will sea level rise affect Tiwi?

Sea level rise could lead to inundation of low-lying coastal areas, damage to infrastructure, and increased erosion along the coastline. This could impact property values and the livability of the suburb.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Tiwi?

During heatwaves, it's important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Tiwi?

You can find information about flood risks and flood maps on the Northern Territory Government's emergency services website and the local council's website.

Is my property in Tiwi at risk from bushfires?

While the bushfire risk in Tiwi is relatively low, it's still important to be aware of the potential for bushfires, especially during the dry season. Clear vegetation around your property and have a bushfire survival plan in place.

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