ClimateNest
ClimateNest

Climate Risk in Goolwa South, South Australia

Goolwa South, South Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Goolwa South faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity are key drivers of these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and consider adaptation measures to protect their properties.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
5.5
Coastal
6.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Goolwa South

increasing

Flood

65/100

Goolwa South faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the coast and the Murray River estuary. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
stable

Bushfire

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Goolwa South is relatively low compared to other regions in South Australia, but it's not negligible. Dry vegetation and strong winds can increase the risk during the fire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Strong winds
increasing

Heat

55/100

Goolwa South is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minor)
increasing

Coastal

60/100

As a coastal suburb, Goolwa South is vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion. This could lead to inundation of low-lying areas and damage to infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
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 Goolwa South

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

55/100

Goolwa South is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect (minor)

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.2

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Goolwa South faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the coast and the Murray River estuary. Sea level rise and increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.8

Data source

coastal Risk

60/100

As a coastal suburb, Goolwa South is vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion. This could lead to inundation of low-lying areas and damage to infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Goolwa South is relatively low compared to other regions in South Australia, but it's not negligible. Dry vegetation and strong winds can increase the risk during the fire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Climate change increasing fire weather

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion data.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate risks when making a purchase.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Murray River Estuary
Elevation Range
0-10 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal Flood Zone

Low-lying areas near the river and coast are most vulnerable.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
1-5 km
Planning Overlay
CFS Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas adjacent to scrubland are at higher risk.

Heat Evidence

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

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2007
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in the region due to heavy rainfall and high river levels.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A small bushfire occurred near Goolwa, but was quickly contained.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Goolwa experienced a prolonged heatwave with record-breaking temperatures.

Source
2022
floodModerate

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

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.3(+0.8)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat555.9(+0.4)6.4(+0.9)
coastal606.6(+0.6)7.3(+1.3)

By 2030, Goolwa South is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with coastal hazards and heatwaves posing the greatest challenges.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Coastal Defenses

Near-term

Invest in seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against sea level rise and storm surge.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Improve drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding from heavy rainfall.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation to reduce stress on water resources during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Near-term

Run community education programs on climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Goolwa South's Climate Risk Profile

Goolwa South, located near the mouth of the Murray River, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks stem from its coastal location and the potential for increased flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion.

Sea level rise poses a significant threat to low-lying areas in Goolwa South. Increased storm surge and coastal erosion could damage infrastructure and property. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves are also projected to increase, placing stress on vulnerable populations.

While the risk of bushfire is relatively lower compared to other regions, it's still a factor to consider, especially during dry periods. Changes in rainfall patterns and increased temperatures could exacerbate the risk of fire.

Adapting to these changes will be crucial for the long-term sustainability of Goolwa South. This includes implementing measures to protect against flooding and coastal erosion, as well as strategies to mitigate the impacts of heatwaves. Community awareness and preparedness are also essential components of a comprehensive adaptation plan.

Understanding the specific risks and taking proactive steps can help residents and businesses in Goolwa South build resilience to the challenges posed by climate change. Staying informed about local government initiatives and emergency services updates is also recommended.

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

Local Government Resources

Alexandrina Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Goolwa South?

The main risks are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to sea level rise.

How is the council preparing for climate change?

The Alexandrina Council is developing strategies to address climate risks, including improving drainage and coastal defenses.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding?

Consider raising your property, installing flood barriers, and improving drainage around your home.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

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

Visit the Alexandrina Council website or the South Australian Department for Environment and Water website.

Is Goolwa South a good place to invest in property considering climate change?

While Goolwa South has many attractive features, potential buyers should carefully consider the climate risks and potential impacts on property values and insurance costs.

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 Goolwa South, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Goolwa South →

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Goolwa South'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