Climate Risk Assessment: Mount Pleasant, SA

Mount Pleasant, South Australia

Medium Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Mount Pleasant faces increasing risks from bushfires, heatwaves and flooding. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these hazards, requiring proactive adaptation measures. The suburb's inland location mitigates coastal risks.

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

4.5

Bushfire

6.0

Heat

5.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Mount Pleasant

increasing

Flood

45/100

Mount Pleasant faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and the potential for riverine flooding. The risk is influenced by the topography and proximity to waterways.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

increasing

Bushfire

60/100

The area around Mount Pleasant has a notable bushfire risk due to the surrounding vegetation and dry conditions, especially during the summer months. This risk is exacerbated by increasing temperatures and prolonged droughts.

Key drivers:

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures

increasing

Heat

50/100

Mount Pleasant is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

10/100

Mount Pleasant is not directly exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion due to its inland location.

Key drivers:

·Inland location

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 Mount Pleasant

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

50/100

Mount Pleasant is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

·Climate change
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.4

2050

5.8

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Mount Pleasant faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and the potential for riverine flooding. The risk is influenced by the topography and proximity to waterways.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.8

2050

5.2

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Mount Pleasant is not directly exposed to coastal risks such as sea level rise or coastal erosion due to its inland location.

Primary Drivers

·Inland location

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Primary Drivers

·Dry vegetation
·High temperatures
·Strong winds

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.4

2050

6.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the escalating risks of bushfires and flooding.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value as climate risks become more apparent.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Torrens River
Elevation Range: 380-420m
Flood Zone: Low to Moderate

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent
Planning Overlay: CFS Bushfire Prone Area
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 60 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not Applicable
Erosion Risk: Not Applicable

Historical Climate Events

2019

bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted the Adelaide Hills region, including areas near Mount Pleasant, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source

2017

stormModerate

Severe storms caused flash flooding and property damage in Mount Pleasant.

Source

2009

heatwaveMajor

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress and health concerns for residents of Mount Pleasant.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	45	4.7(+0.2)	4.9(+0.4)
bushfire	60	6.4(+0.4)	6.8(+0.8)
heat	50	5.3(+0.3)	5.6(+0.6)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Mount Pleasant is projected to experience a notable increase in bushfire and heatwave risks, with a smaller increase in flood risk. Coastal risks remain negligible.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement property protection measures, such as clearing vegetation and installing fire-resistant materials. Develop and practice evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Low to Medium

Learn more

Enhance Heatwave Resilience

Near-term

Establish cooling centers, promote water conservation, and educate residents on heat safety measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Near-term

Improve stormwater drainage systems, construct flood barriers, and implement floodplain management strategies.

Est. cost: Medium to High

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Conduct workshops and distribute information on climate risks and adaptation strategies to increase community resilience.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Mount Pleasant's Climate Risk Profile

Mount Pleasant, South Australia, is increasingly vulnerable to a range of climate-related hazards. The primary concerns are the escalating risks of bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding, all of which are projected to intensify due to climate change.

The bushfire risk is significant due to the surrounding dry vegetation and prevailing weather conditions, particularly during the summer months. Higher temperatures and prolonged droughts contribute to an elevated fire danger, threatening both property and lives. Residents should be prepared for potential evacuations and property protection measures.

Heatwaves are also becoming more frequent and intense, posing a considerable threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The urban environment can amplify the effects of heatwaves, creating urban heat islands that exacerbate the problem.

Flooding is another concern, with heavy rainfall events capable of causing significant damage. The topography and proximity to waterways increase the risk of both riverine and flash flooding. Effective stormwater management and flood mitigation strategies are essential to protect properties and infrastructure.

While Mount Pleasant is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration from coastal areas, could indirectly affect the suburb. Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort involving local government, emergency services, and the community.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · CFS · SA Government

Local Government Resources

Adelaide Hills Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Mount Pleasant?

The main climate change risks for Mount Pleasant are increasing bushfire danger, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher risk of flooding due to heavy rainfall events.

How will climate change affect property values in Mount Pleasant?

Properties in areas with higher climate risks, such as those prone to bushfires or flooding, may experience a decrease in value as these risks become more apparent to potential buyers.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Mount Pleasant?

The Adelaide Hills Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies, including improving stormwater management, enhancing bushfire preparedness, and promoting energy efficiency.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves in Mount Pleasant?

Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, avoiding strenuous activities during peak heat hours, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about bushfire risks in Mount Pleasant?

More information about bushfire risks in Mount Pleasant can be found on the Country Fire Service (CFS) website and through local council resources.

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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

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