Climate Risk in Henley Beach, SA
Henley Beach faces a medium climate risk, primarily due 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 take steps to protect their property.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Henley Beach is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future. This could pose a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
flood Risk
Henley Beach faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Patawalonga River. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.5
coastal Risk
Henley Beach faces a moderate risk of coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surge. This could damage coastal infrastructure and property.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
- ·Erosion
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.0
2050
6.5
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Henley Beach is relatively low due to its coastal location and lack of significant vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds could increase the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry conditions
- ·Strong winds
- ·Proximity to grasslands
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
2.2
2050
2.5
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase in the future due to climate change risks.
Price Impact
Climate change risks may have a moderate impact on property values in the long term.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise on coastal properties.
- 4.Inquire about council plans for climate change adaptation.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Patawalonga River
- Elevation Range
- 0-10 meters
- Flood Zone
- Coastal Flood Zone
The Patawalonga River is prone to flooding during heavy rainfall events. The council has implemented some flood mitigation measures, but further investment is needed.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- 5 km to nearest grassland
- Planning Overlay
- Not within a designated bushfire overlay area
- Bushfire Prone Area
- No
While not a high-risk area, residents should still be aware of bushfire safety during the fire danger season.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 29.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 3 days
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Adelaide. Residents should take precautions to stay cool during hot weather.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 0.1 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Moderate exposure to sea level rise
- Erosion Risk
- Moderate erosion risk
Historical Climate Events
Severe storms caused flash flooding and power outages across Adelaide, including Henley Beach.
SourceAdelaide experienced a record-breaking heatwave in January 2019, with temperatures exceeding 46°C.
SourceHeavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of Adelaide, including areas near the Patawalonga River.
SourceSignificant flooding occurred in the Patawalonga catchment, impacting Henley Beach and surrounding areas.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 6.5 | 6.7(+0.2) | 6.9(+0.4) |
| bushfire | 2.0 | 2.1(+0.1) | 2.2(+0.2) |
| heat | 7.0 | 7.5(+0.5) | 8.0(+1.0) |
| coastal | 5.5 | 5.7(+0.2) | 5.9(+0.4) |
Under a moderate emissions scenario, Henley Beach is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk by 2030. Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, while the risk of flooding and coastal erosion will also increase.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve drainage infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to cope with increased rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImplement a heatwave early warning system
ImmediateDevelop a system to alert residents to impending heatwaves and provide advice on how to stay safe.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreProtect coastal ecosystems
Long-termRestore and protect coastal dunes and vegetation to reduce erosion and provide natural buffers against storm surge.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreRaise awareness of climate change risks
Near-termEducate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePromote water conservation
Near-termEncourage residents to conserve water to reduce demand on water resources during droughts and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Henley Beach's Climate Risk Profile
Henley Beach, a coastal suburb of Adelaide, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding from increased rainfall and storm surge, heatwaves with rising temperatures, and coastal erosion due to sea level rise.
The suburb's low-lying coastal location makes it particularly susceptible to flooding. The Patawalonga River, which flows near Henley Beach, can overflow during heavy rainfall events, inundating nearby properties. Sea level rise is also exacerbating the risk of coastal inundation, especially during storm surges.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in South Australia, posing a significant health risk to residents, especially the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify temperatures in built-up areas.
Coastal erosion is another concern for Henley Beach. Sea level rise is causing increased erosion of the coastline, threatening beaches, dunes, and coastal infrastructure. Protecting the coastline will require ongoing management and adaptation measures.
Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is essential to slow the pace of climate change. Local adaptation measures, such as improving drainage infrastructure, implementing heatwave early warning systems, and protecting coastal ecosystems, can help to reduce the impacts of climate change on Henley Beach.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SA SES · City of Charles Sturt
Local Government Resources
City of Charles Sturt
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Henley Beach?
The main climate change risks in Henley Beach are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are driven by increased rainfall intensity, rising temperatures, and sea level rise.
How will sea level rise affect Henley Beach?
Sea level rise will increase the risk of coastal inundation and erosion in Henley Beach. This could damage coastal infrastructure and property, and threaten beaches and dunes.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Henley Beach?
During heatwaves, it is important to stay cool, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members. Consider installing air conditioning or visiting a cooling center.
Is my property at risk of flooding in Henley Beach?
Properties near the Patawalonga River and in low-lying coastal areas are at higher risk of flooding. Check the council's flood maps to assess your property's risk. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Henley Beach?
The City of Charles Sturt is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including upgrading drainage infrastructure, promoting water conservation, and developing a climate change adaptation strategy.
Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Henley Beach?
You can find more information about climate change risks in Henley Beach on the City of Charles Sturt website, the South Australian Department for Environment and Water website, and the CSIRO website.
Get a Property-Specific Report
This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Henley Beach, use our analysis tool.
Other Suburbs in South Australia
Analyse Your Property Now
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment covering flood, bushfire, and sea level rise and more.
Free instant preview · Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only