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PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk in Norwood, SA

Norwood, South Australia· City of Norwood Payneham St Peters· 5067
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Norwood faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to flooding and heatwaves. The urban environment exacerbates heat effects, while increased rainfall intensity elevates flood potential. Bushfire and coastal risks are relatively low.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.0/10

Norwood is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Urban heat island effect intensifies the impact.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Lack of green space

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Norwood faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and urban drainage systems. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate these risks.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Coastal risks are minimal in Norwood due to its distance from the coastline. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not direct threats.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

3.0/10

Bushfire risk in Norwood is relatively low due to its urban location. However, ember attack from distant fires remains a potential concern during extreme weather conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·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 due to flood risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.
  • 4.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Torrens River
Elevation Range
30-50m
Flood Zone
Areas near the Torrens River are susceptible to flooding.

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the Torrens River. Council maintains flood maps and provides guidance on flood preparedness.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5km to Cleland Conservation Park
Planning Overlay
No specific bushfire overlay applies to the entire suburb, but areas closer to the park may have restrictions.
Bushfire Prone Area
No

While not a high-risk area, residents should be aware of ember attack potential during severe bushfire events.

Heat Evidence

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

Urban heat island effect can increase temperatures by several degrees compared to surrounding rural areas. Vulnerable populations are at higher risk during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
10 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not directly exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
No significant erosion risk.

Historical Climate Events

2016
stormModerate

Severe storms caused flash flooding and power outages in the Adelaide metropolitan area, including Norwood.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Adelaide experienced a prolonged heatwave in January 2019, with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several consecutive days.

Source
2022
floodMinor

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in some parts of Norwood, particularly near the Torrens River.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.57.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire3.03.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat7.07.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal1.01.01.0

By 2030, Norwood is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by increased flooding and more frequent heatwaves. Bushfire risk will see a slight increase, while coastal risks remain minimal.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Invest in upgrading and expanding drainage infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Increase Green Spaces

Near-term

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 Heatwave Early Warning System

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Long-term

Conduct community education programs to raise awareness of climate risks and promote adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Norwood's Climate Risk Profile

Norwood, a suburb of Adelaide, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns are related to increased flooding due to more intense rainfall events and the exacerbation of heatwaves due to the urban heat island effect.

Flooding is a significant risk, with potential for damage to property and infrastructure. The existing drainage systems may be insufficient to handle the increased volume of water during heavy rainfall. Climate projections indicate that rainfall intensity will continue to increase, further elevating this risk.

Heatwaves pose a threat to the health and well-being of residents, particularly the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban environment traps heat, leading to higher temperatures compared to surrounding areas. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves are expected to increase in the future.

While bushfire risk is relatively low due to the suburb's urban location, ember attack from distant fires remains a possibility. Coastal risks are minimal due to Norwood's distance from the coast.

Adaptation measures are crucial to mitigate these risks and protect the community. These include upgrading drainage infrastructure, increasing green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect, and implementing heatwave early warning systems.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SA Government Environment and Water · SA State Emergency Service

Local Government Resources

City of Norwood Payneham St Peters

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Norwood?

The main climate change risks in Norwood are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall events and more frequent and severe heatwaves.

How is the council addressing climate change?

The City of Norwood Payneham St Peters is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the risks of climate change.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves?

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

How can I protect my property from flooding?

Ensure your property is properly drained, and consider installing flood barriers if you live in a flood-prone area. Check your insurance policy.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Norwood?

You can find more information on the City of Norwood Payneham St Peters website and the South Australian Government's environment website.

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