ClimateNest
ClimateNest

Climate Risk in Blackwood, SA

Blackwood, South Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Blackwood faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. Residents should take steps to prepare for these hazards.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Blackwood

increasing

Flood

40/100

Blackwood has a moderate risk of flooding. Several creeks and waterways pass through the suburb, and heavy rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development reducing natural drainage
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Blackwood faces a high risk of bushfire due to its proximity to the Adelaide Hills. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can create dangerous fire conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier summers
  • ·Increased fuel load
increasing

Heat

50/100

Blackwood experiences a moderate risk from heatwaves. As climate change progresses, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are expected to increase.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwave events
stable

Coastal

10/100

Blackwood is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

stable

Wind

28/100

Moderate wind risk — gusty northerly winds

stable

Storm

24/100

Moderate storm risk — occasional thunderstorms

stable

Social

21/100

Moderate social stability

increasing

Energy

35/100

Moderate energy costs — summer cooling

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Blackwood

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

50/100

Blackwood experiences a moderate risk from heatwaves. As climate change progresses, the frequency and intensity of heatwaves are expected to increase.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwave events

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Blackwood has a moderate risk of flooding. Several creeks and waterways pass through the suburb, and heavy rainfall events can lead to flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development reducing natural drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Blackwood is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Blackwood faces a high risk of bushfire due to its proximity to the Adelaide Hills. Hot, dry summers and strong winds can create dangerous fire conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier summers
  • ·Increased fuel load
  • ·More frequent extreme weather events

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the elevated risk of bushfires and flooding.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Obtain a building inspection to assess structural integrity.
  • 3.Ensure adequate home and contents insurance coverage.
  • 4.Develop a bushfire survival plan.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Sturt River
Elevation Range
150-300m
Flood Zone
Areas near Sturt River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood data indicates that properties near the Sturt River are most at risk.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to Belair National Park
Planning Overlay
SA Bushfire Prone Area
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area has a history of bushfires, and residents are advised to maintain firebreaks and clear vegetation around their homes.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
29.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Elderly and vulnerable residents are particularly at risk during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

1980
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused the Sturt River to flood, affecting properties near the riverbank.

Source
1983
bushfireMajor

The Ash Wednesday bushfires impacted the Adelaide Hills, causing significant damage and loss of life.

Source
2009
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in January resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A small bushfire broke out near Belair National Park, but was quickly contained by firefighters.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.3(+0.3)4.5(+0.5)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.7(+0.7)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Blackwood is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave frequency and intensity, as well as a higher risk of bushfires.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan

Immediate

Create a detailed plan for evacuating your home in the event of a bushfire. Practice the plan regularly with your family.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve Home Insulation

Near-term

Proper insulation can help to keep your home cooler during heatwaves and reduce energy consumption.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Install a Rainwater Tank

Near-term

Collect rainwater for use in your garden and toilet, reducing your reliance on mains water and mitigating flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Support Local Bushfire Prevention Programs

Long-term

Volunteer your time or donate to local organizations that are working to reduce the risk of bushfires in your community.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Blackwood's Climate Risk Profile

Blackwood, South Australia, is a suburb that faces a range of climate-related risks. Its location near the Adelaide Hills makes it particularly vulnerable to bushfires, while several creeks and waterways increase the risk of flooding. Additionally, the suburb is susceptible to heatwaves during the summer months.

Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of these hazards. Drier summers and increased fuel loads will likely worsen the bushfire risk, while more intense rainfall events could lead to more frequent and severe flooding. Rising average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves will also pose a significant threat to public health.

Residents of Blackwood should take steps to prepare for these risks. This includes developing a bushfire survival plan, maintaining adequate home insurance, and taking precautions during heatwaves. It is also important to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts and emergency warnings.

The local council is working to address these challenges through various initiatives, including improved flood management infrastructure and bushfire prevention programs. However, individual action is also essential to protect lives and property.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SA Emergency Services · City of Mitcham

Local Government Resources

City of Mitcham

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Blackwood?

Blackwood is primarily at risk from bushfires, flooding, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these hazards.

How can I prepare my home for a bushfire?

Clear vegetation around your home, maintain firebreaks, and develop a bushfire survival plan. Ensure you have adequate home and contents insurance.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on elderly and vulnerable neighbors.

Where can I find information about local flood risks?

The City of Mitcham provides flood maps and information on its website. You can also contact the council directly for assistance.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The City of Mitcham has a climate strategy that outlines its plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. This includes initiatives such as improving energy efficiency, promoting sustainable transport, and managing flood risk.

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 Blackwood, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Blackwood →

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Blackwood'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
Get Your flood Risk Report — A$69

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