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Climate Risk Profile: Edithburgh, SA

Edithburgh, South Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Edithburgh is a coastal town in South Australia that faces a number of climate-related risks, particularly from coastal hazards and heatwaves. Sea level rise and increased storm intensity pose significant threats to the town's infrastructure and environment. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
9.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Edithburgh

increasing

Flood

40/100

Edithburgh faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Edithburgh is relatively low due to the coastal location and limited vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Strong winds
increasing

Heat

60/100

Edithburgh experiences a moderate risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

90/100

Edithburgh faces a high risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. The town's coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Edithburgh

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

60/100

Edithburgh experiences a moderate risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Edithburgh faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and storm surges. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

90/100

Edithburgh faces a high risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges. The town's coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

9.3

2050

9.6

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Edithburgh is relatively low due to the coastal location and limited vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase in the future due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion risk assessments.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider the potential impact of climate change on insurance premiums.
  • 4.Inquire about council plans for climate adaptation.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Spencer Gulf
Elevation Range
0-10 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal Flood Zone

Low-lying areas near the coast are most vulnerable to flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5km
Planning Overlay
CFS Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas with scrub and grassland are more susceptible to bushfire.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Heatwaves typically occur during January and February.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2007
stormModerate

A severe storm caused damage to coastal infrastructure and properties in Edithburgh.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress and health concerns for vulnerable residents.

Source
2016
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas of Edithburgh.

Source
2020
coastalMinor

High tides and storm surge caused minor coastal erosion along the Edithburgh foreshore.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
coastal909.8(+0.8)10.5(+1.5)

By 2030, Edithburgh is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, as well as a greater risk of coastal flooding and erosion due to sea level rise.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade coastal defenses

Immediate

Invest in seawalls, breakwaters, and other coastal defenses to protect against sea level rise and storm surges.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Improve drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to cope with increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Relocate vulnerable infrastructure

Long-term

Consider relocating critical infrastructure away from high-risk coastal areas.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Near-term

Encourage residents and businesses to conserve water to reduce the strain on water resources during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Edithburgh's Climate Risk Profile

Edithburgh, located on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, is a town with a rich history and a strong connection to the sea. However, its coastal location also makes it vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Sea level rise, coastal erosion, and storm surges are major concerns for the town's future.

The risk of flooding in Edithburgh is moderate, with heavy rainfall events and storm surges posing a threat to low-lying areas. The town's drainage infrastructure may struggle to cope with increased rainfall intensity, leading to localized flooding.

While the risk of bushfire is relatively low, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk, particularly during the summer months. Residents should take precautions to protect their properties from bushfire.

Heatwaves are a growing concern for Edithburgh, with rising temperatures expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This can pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Coastal hazards are the most significant climate risk facing Edithburgh. Sea level rise is expected to inundate low-lying areas, while coastal erosion threatens to damage infrastructure and property. Storm surges can also cause significant damage to the town's coastline.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SA SES · SA Department for Environment and Water

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Edithburgh?

Edithburgh faces significant risks from sea level rise, coastal erosion, heatwaves, and flooding.

How will sea level rise affect Edithburgh?

Sea level rise is expected to inundate low-lying areas, damage infrastructure, and increase the risk of coastal flooding.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Edithburgh?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

Is my property at risk of flooding in Edithburgh?

Check flood maps and consult with the council to assess your property's flood risk.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Edithburgh?

The council is developing climate adaptation plans and investing in coastal defenses.

Where can I find more information about climate change in South Australia?

Visit the Department for Environment and Water website for information on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies.

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$300B+
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30-120%
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