Climate Risk in Elizabeth, South Australia

Elizabeth, South Australia· City of Playford· 5112

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Elizabeth faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to heatwaves and flooding. The suburb is inland, so coastal risks are minimal. Residents should prepare for increasing temperatures and potential disruptions from extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

4.5

Bushfire

3.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Elizabeth

increasing

Flood

45/100

Elizabeth faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is influenced by local topography and drainage infrastructure.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

stable

Bushfire

30/100

The bushfire risk in Elizabeth is relatively low compared to other regions in South Australia, but some areas near reserves may face a slightly elevated risk. Grassfires are a potential concern during dry periods.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·Wind patterns

increasing

Heat

70/100

Elizabeth is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days projected. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Elizabeth is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea-level rise or coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

·Distance from the coast

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 Elizabeth

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

Elizabeth is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days projected. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Elizabeth faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is influenced by local topography and drainage infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Aging drainage infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.8

2050

5.2

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Elizabeth is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea-level rise or coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP2.6)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·Wind patterns
·Proximity to bushland

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

3.1

2050

3.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

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

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a negative impact on property values.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Consider the potential for increased insurance premiums.
4.Review the council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Dry Creek
Elevation Range: 20-40 meters
Flood Zone: Areas near Dry Creek may be subject to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: 5-10 km to nearest significant bushland.
Planning Overlay: CFS Bushfire Prone Area Map may indicate areas of higher risk.
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 25 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable.
Erosion Risk: Not applicable.

Historical Climate Events

2009

heatwaveModerate

South Australia experienced a severe heatwave in late January and early February, with record-breaking temperatures across the state. This event placed significant strain on infrastructure and emergency services.

Source

2016

stormModerate

A significant storm event caused widespread damage across South Australia, including heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flash flooding. Power outages and property damage were reported in Elizabeth.

Source

2022

floodMinor

Heavy rainfall led to localized flooding in parts of Elizabeth, causing minor disruptions to traffic and property damage.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	45	4.7(+0.2)	5.0(+0.5)
bushfire	30	3.1(+0.1)	3.2(+0.2)
heat	70	7.5(+0.5)	8.5(+1.5)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, under a moderate emissions scenario, Elizabeth is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by more frequent and intense heatwaves. Flood risk may also increase due to changing rainfall patterns.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Create a community-based heat action plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves. This plan should include strategies for providing cooling centers, checking on elderly neighbors, and disseminating heat safety information.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Invest in upgrading drainage infrastructure to improve stormwater management and reduce the risk of flooding. This may include increasing the capacity of drains, creating detention basins, and implementing green infrastructure solutions.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation practices to reduce demand on water resources and mitigate the impacts of drought. This can be achieved through education campaigns, rebates for water-efficient appliances, and restrictions on water use during dry periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Community Preparedness

Near-term

Improve community preparedness for extreme weather events by providing training in first aid, emergency response, and disaster preparedness. This can be achieved through workshops, community events, and online resources.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Elizabeth's Climate Risk Profile

Elizabeth, located in South Australia, is projected to experience increasing climate-related challenges in the coming decades. The most significant risks are associated with heatwaves and flooding, driven by rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.

Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing a threat to public health, particularly for elderly and vulnerable residents. The urban heat island effect may exacerbate these conditions, leading to higher temperatures in built-up areas. Residents should take precautions during heatwaves, such as staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned environments.

Flooding is another concern, with the potential for increased rainfall intensity and stormwater runoff to overwhelm drainage systems. Properties in low-lying areas may be particularly vulnerable. Maintaining drainage infrastructure and implementing flood mitigation measures are crucial for reducing the risk of flooding.

While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other regions, it is still important to be aware of the potential for grassfires, especially during dry periods. Maintaining vegetation around properties and having a bushfire survival plan can help mitigate this risk.

Overall, Elizabeth needs to focus on adaptation strategies to address the impacts of climate change. These strategies should include measures to reduce heat vulnerability, improve flood resilience, and enhance community preparedness for extreme weather events.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SA SES · City of Playford

Local Government Resources

City of Playford

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Elizabeth?

The main climate change risks for Elizabeth are heatwaves and flooding. Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, while flooding may increase due to changing rainfall patterns.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Elizabeth?

To prepare for heatwaves, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, check on elderly neighbors, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

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

The City of Playford is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to address the impacts of climate change, including measures to reduce heat vulnerability and improve flood resilience.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Elizabeth?

You can find information about flood risks on the City of Playford website and the South Australian Department for Environment and Water website.

Are there any community groups working on climate change in Elizabeth?

Yes, there are several community groups working on climate change in the region. Contact the City of Playford for more information about local initiatives.

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