Climate Risk Profile: Kadina, SA

Kadina, South Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Kadina faces a moderate climate risk profile. The primary concerns are increasing heatwave frequency and potential flooding from heavy rainfall. While coastal risks are minimal, residents should prepare for hotter summers and potential disruptions from extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Kadina

stable

Flood

40/100

Kadina faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and local watercourses exceeding their capacity. Historical data indicates periodic inundation of low-lying areas.

Key drivers:

  • ·Heavy rainfall
  • ·Local watercourse capacity
stable

Bushfire

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Kadina is relatively low due to the cleared agricultural land surrounding the town. However, grassland fires can still pose a threat during dry periods with strong winds.

Key drivers:

  • ·Grassland fires
  • ·Dry vegetation
increasing

Heat

70/100

Kadina is experiencing increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Kadina is located inland and has a very low risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from 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 Kadina

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Kadina is experiencing increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Kadina faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and local watercourses exceeding their capacity. Historical data indicates periodic inundation of low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Heavy rainfall
  • ·Local watercourse capacity
  • ·Urban drainage limitations

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Kadina is located inland and has a very low risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Kadina is relatively low due to the cleared agricultural land surrounding the town. However, grassland fires can still pose a threat during dry periods with strong winds.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Grassland fires
  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.1

2050

3.3

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurers are likely to increase premiums in the future due to increased climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in low-lying areas may experience a decrease in value due to flood risk.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood history of the property.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy-efficient upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Broughton River
Elevation Range
20-40m
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near Broughton River

Historical flood events have primarily affected areas adjacent to the Broughton River and low-lying regions with poor drainage.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5km to scrubland
Planning Overlay
Limited bushfire overlay zones
Bushfire Prone Area
No

The risk of bushfire is relatively low due to the surrounding agricultural land, but grassland fires can occur.

Heat Evidence

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

Kadina experiences several days above 35°C each summer, increasing the risk of heat stress.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2010
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Kadina, affecting some residential areas.

Source
2009
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in January 2009 resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on local resources.

Source
2013
stormMinor

A severe thunderstorm caused minor damage to property and infrastructure in Kadina.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.2(+0.2)4.4(+0.4)
bushfire303.1(+0.1)3.2(+0.2)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Kadina is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, with a slight increase in flood risk. Bushfire risk remains relatively stable, and coastal risks are minimal.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Urban Cooling

Near-term

Implement strategies to reduce the urban heat island effect, such as planting trees and using reflective building materials.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Invest in upgrading drainage infrastructure to manage increased rainfall and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Emergency Plan

Immediate

Create a comprehensive heatwave emergency plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to address water scarcity and reduce the strain on local resources.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Kadina's Climate Risk Profile

Kadina, located in South Australia, is subject to a changing climate that presents several environmental challenges. The most pressing issue is the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves, which can strain local resources and pose health risks to vulnerable populations. Changes in rainfall patterns may also lead to increased flood risk.

While Kadina is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader region is experiencing the effects of climate change, including altered agricultural yields and increased water scarcity. These changes can indirectly impact Kadina's economy and community well-being.

Local authorities are working to implement adaptation strategies to mitigate these risks. These strategies include improving urban planning to reduce the urban heat island effect, upgrading drainage infrastructure to manage flood risk, and promoting water conservation measures to address water scarcity.

Residents can also take individual actions to prepare for climate change, such as installing energy-efficient appliances, planting drought-tolerant vegetation, and developing emergency plans for extreme weather events. By working together, the community can build resilience and adapt to the challenges of a changing climate.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SA Government · WaterConnect

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Kadina?

The main climate change risks for Kadina are increasing heatwave frequency and intensity, as well as potential flooding from heavy rainfall events.

How will climate change affect property values in Kadina?

Properties in low-lying areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased flood risk. Overall, climate change may lead to increased insurance premiums and potential challenges for property owners.

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

The council is working to implement adaptation strategies, such as improving urban planning to reduce the urban heat island effect and upgrading drainage infrastructure to manage flood risk. Please refer to the council's website for more information.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Kadina?

You can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members. It is also important to have a heatwave emergency plan in place.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Kadina?

You can find more information about flood risks in Kadina on the WaterConnect website and through the local council.

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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