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Climate Risk in Robe, South Australia

Robe, South Australia· Kingston District Council· 5276
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Robe faces a moderate climate risk profile, with increasing threats from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. Sea level rise and changing rainfall patterns are key drivers of these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and consider adaptation measures.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
5.3

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Robe

increasing

Flood

65/100

Robe faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and coastal inundation. The flat terrain and proximity to the coast make it susceptible to both riverine and coastal flooding events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
stable

Bushfire

40/100

Bushfire risk in Robe is moderate due to the presence of surrounding scrubland and grasslands. While not directly adjacent to dense forests, dry vegetation can still pose a threat during hot and windy conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

50/100

Robe experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. The coastal location offers some moderation, but vulnerable populations are still at risk.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

53/100

Robe is exposed to coastal risks, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The coastline is vulnerable to storm surges and long-term erosion processes, threatening infrastructure and property.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Robe

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

Robe experiences moderate heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. The coastal location offers some moderation, but vulnerable populations are still at risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Robe faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and coastal inundation. The flat terrain and proximity to the coast make it susceptible to both riverine and coastal flooding events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

53/100

Robe is exposed to coastal risks, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. The coastline is vulnerable to storm surges and long-term erosion processes, threatening infrastructure and property.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.8

2050

6.3

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bushfire risk in Robe is moderate due to the presence of surrounding scrubland and grasslands. While not directly adjacent to dense forests, dry vegetation can still pose a threat during hot and windy conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Windy conditions

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

4.2

2050

4.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in low-lying coastal areas may experience price depreciation.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
  • 3.Consider heatwave preparedness measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Lake Butler
Elevation Range
0-20m
Flood Zone
Coastal inundation zone

Low-lying areas near the coast are most vulnerable to flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5km
Planning Overlay
CFS Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas to the north and east of Robe have some bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
27.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
2 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent in the region.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Moderate
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

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

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A small bushfire occurred near Robe, but was quickly contained by fire services.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Robe experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40°C for several days.

Source
2022
coastalMinor

Storm surge caused minor coastal erosion along the Robe foreshore.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday20302050
flood656.9(+0.4)7.4(+0.9)
bushfire404.1(+0.1)4.3(+0.3)
heat505.3(+0.3)5.7(+0.7)
coastal535.7(+0.4)6.1(+0.8)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Robe is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk by 2030, with notable increases in flood and coastal risks due to sea level rise and changing rainfall patterns. Heat risk is also expected to increase, while bushfire risk remains relatively stable.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade flood defenses

Near-term

Invest in seawalls and drainage improvements to protect coastal areas from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a heatwave preparedness plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement coastal erosion management strategies

Near-term

Develop and implement strategies to manage coastal erosion, such as beach nourishment and dune stabilization.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce the impact of droughts and water scarcity.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Robe's Climate Risk Profile

Robe, a coastal town in South Australia, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding from heavy rainfall and rising sea levels, increased frequency and intensity of heatwaves, and coastal erosion threatening infrastructure and property.

The town's low-lying coastal location makes it particularly susceptible to sea level rise and storm surges. Climate projections indicate that these risks will intensify in the coming decades, potentially leading to more frequent inundation of coastal areas and damage to property.

Heatwaves are also becoming more common and severe, posing a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can create dangerous conditions, especially during the summer months.

Coastal erosion is another significant concern, with the potential to damage beaches, dunes, and coastal infrastructure. Rising sea levels and increased storm intensity are exacerbating erosion rates, threatening the town's natural assets and tourism industry.

Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures, including improved flood defenses, heatwave preparedness plans, and coastal management strategies. Community engagement and collaboration with local and state governments are essential to building resilience and protecting Robe from the impacts of climate change.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SA SES · Kingston District Council

Local Government Resources

Kingston District Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Robe?

Robe faces increasing risks from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to climate change.

How will sea level rise affect Robe?

Sea level rise is expected to increase the frequency and severity of coastal flooding and erosion in Robe.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Robe?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

Is my property at risk from coastal erosion?

Properties close to the coast are at higher risk from coastal erosion. Check with the local council for more information.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The Kingston District Council is developing and implementing strategies to adapt to climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Robe, use our analysis tool.

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