Climate Risk in Marion, South Australia

Marion, South Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Marion faces moderate climate risks, particularly from heatwaves and coastal hazards. Sea level rise and increasing temperatures are key concerns for the suburb. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.3

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Marion

increasing

Flood

45/100

Marion faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and stormwater runoff. The Patawalonga River and other local creeks can contribute to localized flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Marion is relatively low due to its urbanized environment. However, areas near parks and reserves may experience some risk during extreme heat and dry conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to green spaces
  • ·Dry vegetation
increasing

Heat

70/100

Marion is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

63/100

Located near the coast, Marion faces risks from sea level rise and coastal erosion. This can impact infrastructure, property values, and recreational areas along the coastline.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
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 Marion

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Marion is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, especially during summer.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced green cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Marion faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and stormwater runoff. The Patawalonga River and other local creeks can contribute to localized flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Aging stormwater infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

63/100

Located near the coast, Marion faces risks from sea level rise and coastal erosion. This can impact infrastructure, property values, and recreational areas along the coastline.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.3

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The risk of bushfire in Marion is relatively low due to its urbanized environment. However, areas near parks and reserves may experience some risk during extreme heat and dry conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to green spaces
  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

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 coastal areas and flood zones may experience price impacts.

Buyer Checklist

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

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Patawalonga River
Elevation Range
5-30 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near the Patawalonga River and local creeks are prone to flooding.

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the Patawalonga River. The council has implemented some flood mitigation measures, but further upgrades are needed.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
500m to Shepherds Hill Recreation Park
Planning Overlay
Some areas near Shepherds Hill Recreation Park may be subject to bushfire risk.
Bushfire Prone Area
No

While not a high-risk area, residents should maintain their properties to reduce potential fire hazards, especially during dry periods.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Average maximum temperatures in January are expected to increase in the coming years, leading to more frequent heat stress events. Vulnerable populations should take precautions during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
1.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying coastal areas are exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Some coastal areas are at risk of erosion.

Historical Climate Events

2016
stormModerate

A severe storm caused flash flooding and property damage in parts of Marion.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

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

Source
2020
floodMinor

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

Source
2023
heatwaveModerate

Record high temperatures were recorded across Adelaide, including Marion, leading to increased demand on emergency services.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood454.8(+0.3)5.1(+0.6)
bushfire303.1(+0.1)3.3(+0.3)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal636.7(+0.4)7.2(+0.9)

By 2030, Marion is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with heatwaves and coastal hazards posing the greatest challenges. Increased rainfall intensity may also lead to more frequent flooding.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Stormwater Infrastructure

Near-term

Invest in upgrading stormwater drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Increase Green Spaces

Immediate

Plant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Construct seawalls and implement other coastal protection measures to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Create a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public health advice.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Marion's Climate Risk Profile

Marion, South Australia, is a suburb that will experience increasing climate-related challenges in the coming decades. The primary risks include heatwaves, coastal erosion, and flooding. Rising temperatures will lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, impacting public health and infrastructure.

Coastal areas of Marion are vulnerable to sea level rise, which can exacerbate erosion and inundation risks. This poses a threat to properties and recreational spaces along the coast. Additionally, the suburb may experience increased rainfall intensity, leading to a higher risk of flooding in low-lying areas and near waterways.

Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of adaptation and mitigation strategies. Improving stormwater infrastructure, increasing green spaces to combat the urban heat island effect, and implementing coastal protection measures are essential steps. Community awareness and preparedness are also crucial for minimizing the impacts of extreme weather events.

Long-term planning should consider the potential impacts of climate change on property values and insurance costs. Investing in resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable development practices can help Marion adapt to a changing climate and maintain its quality of life.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SA Government Environment and Water · City of Marion

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Marion?

Marion faces several climate risks, including heatwaves, coastal erosion, and flooding. Rising temperatures and sea levels are key concerns for the suburb.

How will climate change affect property values in Marion?

Properties in coastal areas and flood zones may experience price impacts due to climate change. It's important to consider these risks when buying or selling property.

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

The City of Marion is implementing various strategies to address climate change, including upgrading stormwater infrastructure, increasing green spaces, and developing a climate adaptation plan.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Marion?

During heatwaves, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors. The council may also establish cooling centers for public use.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Marion?

You can find information about flood risks on the City of Marion website, including flood maps and details about flood management strategies.

Get your property's risk report

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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