Climate Risk in Salisbury, SA

Salisbury, South Australia· City of Salisbury· 5108
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Salisbury faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Rising temperatures and increased rainfall intensity are key concerns. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.5/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.0/10

Salisbury experiences high temperatures during summer, posing a significant heat risk to vulnerable populations. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

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

6.0/10

Salisbury faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

1.0/10

Coastal risk is minimal in Salisbury due to its inland location. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not direct threats to the suburb.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

3.0/10

Bushfire risk in Salisbury is relatively low compared to other regions in South Australia, but some areas near bushland reserves are still vulnerable. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could elevate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to the rising risk of flooding and heatwaves.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Dry Creek
Elevation Range
10-30 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near Dry Creek are prone to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that Salisbury has experienced several significant flood events in the past. The council is actively monitoring water levels and implementing flood mitigation measures.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Some properties are within 500 meters of bushland reserves.
Planning Overlay
CFS Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents in bushfire-prone areas should maintain a firebreak around their properties and have a bushfire survival plan.

Heat Evidence

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

The Bureau of Meteorology data shows an increasing trend in the number of days exceeding 35 degrees Celsius in Salisbury.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in parts of Salisbury, affecting homes and businesses.

Source
2009
heatwaveMajor

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source
1992
stormModerate

A severe storm caused widespread damage to trees and power lines in Salisbury.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.06.5(+0.5)7.0(+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, Salisbury is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as an increased risk of flooding due to heavier rainfall events. Bushfire risk may also increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Urban Greening Projects

Near-term

Increase tree canopy cover and green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen Building Codes

Long-term

Update building codes to ensure new buildings are more resilient to flooding and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Salisbury's Climate Risk Profile

Salisbury, located in South Australia, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding due to increased rainfall intensity and heatwaves resulting from rising average temperatures. These changes pose challenges to infrastructure, public health, and the local economy.

Flooding is a significant concern, particularly in low-lying areas near waterways. Climate models predict more intense rainfall events, which could overwhelm existing drainage systems and lead to property damage. The City of Salisbury is working to improve flood management strategies, but further investment is needed to mitigate the increasing risk.

Heatwaves are another major threat, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban heat island effect exacerbates the problem, making some areas of Salisbury significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas. Public health initiatives and urban greening projects are essential to reduce the impact of heatwaves.

While bushfire risk is relatively low, it is still a concern for properties near bushland reserves. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood of bushfires, requiring residents to take precautions and maintain firebreaks. Coastal risks are minimal due to Salisbury's inland location.

Adapting to climate change will require a coordinated effort from residents, businesses, and local government. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements, implementing sustainable land management practices, and raising awareness about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · CFS · City of Salisbury

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Salisbury?

The main climate change risks in Salisbury are flooding due to increased rainfall intensity and heatwaves due to rising average temperatures.

How is the City of Salisbury addressing climate change?

The City of Salisbury is implementing various strategies to address climate change, including improving drainage infrastructure, promoting urban greening, and developing a heatwave management plan.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change impacts?

Residents can prepare for climate change impacts by checking flood maps, assessing their property's vulnerability to heatwaves, ensuring adequate insurance coverage, and considering the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.

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

You can find more information about flood risks in Salisbury on the City of Salisbury website and the South Australian Department for Environment and Water website.

Are there any financial incentives for installing solar panels in Salisbury?

Yes, there are several financial incentives for installing solar panels in Salisbury, including the federal government's Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme and the South Australian government's Home Battery Scheme.

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