Climate Risk in Salisbury, South Australia

Salisbury, South Australia· UNKNOWN

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

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

Overall Risk Score

52/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.5

Bushfire

3.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Salisbury

increasing

Flood

65/100

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.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

increasing

Bushfire

30/100

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.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier vegetation

increasing

Heat

70/100

Salisbury experiences high temperatures during summer, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risk is very low in Salisbury, as it is not located directly on the coast. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Key drivers:

·Distance from the coast

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 Salisbury

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

70/100

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

65/100

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

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risk is very low in Salisbury, as it is not located directly on the coast. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.

Primary Drivers

·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

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 areas prone to flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

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.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Little Para River
Elevation Range: 10-30 meters
Flood Zone: Areas near the Little Para River are designated as flood zones.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Some areas are within 1 km of bushland reserves.
Planning Overlay: CFS Bushfire Prone Area Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

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

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 25 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2016

floodModerate

Significant rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Salisbury, affecting homes and businesses.

Source

2019

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius put strain on the electricity grid and caused health problems for vulnerable residents.

Source

2022

floodMinor

Heavy rainfall led to localized flooding and road closures in Salisbury.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	65	7.0(+0.5)	7.5(+1.0)
bushfire	30	3.3(+0.3)	3.5(+0.5)
heat	70	7.7(+0.7)	8.2(+1.2)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

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 Heatwave Action Plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Prevention Measures

Near-term

Implement bushfire prevention measures, such as clearing vegetation around homes and creating firebreaks.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Long-term

Conduct community education programs to raise awareness about climate risks and promote preparedness.

Est. cost: Low

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 and near waterways. Climate models predict more intense rainfall events, which could overwhelm existing drainage systems and lead to property damage. The local council 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 are essential to protect residents during extreme heat events.

While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other parts of South Australia, it is still a concern, particularly in areas adjacent to bushland reserves. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood of bushfires, posing a threat to homes and infrastructure. Coastal risks are minimal due to Salisbury's inland location.

Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in infrastructure, public health initiatives, and community education. By taking proactive steps to adapt to climate change, Salisbury can protect its residents and build a more resilient future.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SA Government · City of Salisbury

Local Government Resources

City of Salisbury

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

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 resulting from rising average temperatures.

How is the council addressing the risk of flooding?

The council is working to improve drainage infrastructure and implement flood management strategies to mitigate the risk of flooding.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves?

You can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Is my property at risk of bushfire?

If your property is located near bushland reserves, it may be at risk of bushfire. Contact the Country Fire Service (CFS) for more information and advice.

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

You can find more information about climate change in Salisbury on the City of Salisbury website and the South Australian Government's environment website.

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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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