Climate Risk in Elizabeth, South Australia

Elizabeth, South Australia· City of Playford· 5112
Updated Mar 2026

Elizabeth faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to heatwaves and flooding. The suburb is inland, so coastal risks are minimal. Residents should prepare for increasing temperatures and potential disruptions from extreme weather events.

Is Elizabeth Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Elizabeth, South Australia, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
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

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

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Overall Risk Score

Address-level

Hazard Breakdown

Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Elizabeth

Flood

Elizabeth faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is influenced by local topography and drainage infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development

Bushfire

The bushfire risk in Elizabeth is relatively low compared to other regions in South Australia, but some areas near reserves may face a slightly elevated risk. Grassfires are a potential concern during dry periods.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns

Heat

Elizabeth is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days projected. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Elizabeth is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea-level rise or coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from the coast

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Elizabeth

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Elizabeth is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent extreme heat days projected. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Elizabeth faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is influenced by local topography and drainage infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

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

coastal Risk

Elizabeth is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea-level rise or coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from the coast
Data source

bushfire Risk

The bushfire risk in Elizabeth is relatively low compared to other regions in South Australia, but some areas near reserves may face a slightly elevated risk. Grassfires are a potential concern during dry periods.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns
  • ·Proximity to bushland
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a negative impact on property values.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider the potential for increased insurance premiums.
  • 4.Review the council's climate adaptation plans.

How the region's climate is projected to change

Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.

Temperature

+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030

Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.

Rainfall

Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030

The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.

Fire weather

Harsher, magnitude uncertain

High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.

Sea level

+0.12 m by 2030

At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.

Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Create a community-based heat action plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves. This plan should include strategies for providing cooling centers, checking on elderly neighbors, and disseminating heat safety information.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Upgrade Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Invest in upgrading drainage infrastructure to improve stormwater management and reduce the risk of flooding. This may include increasing the capacity of drains, creating detention basins, and implementing green infrastructure solutions.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation practices to reduce demand on water resources and mitigate the impacts of drought. This can be achieved through education campaigns, rebates for water-efficient appliances, and restrictions on water use during dry periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Community Preparedness

Near-term

Improve community preparedness for extreme weather events by providing training in first aid, emergency response, and disaster preparedness. This can be achieved through workshops, community events, and online resources.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Elizabeth's Climate Risk Profile

Elizabeth, located in South Australia, is projected to experience increasing climate-related challenges in the coming decades. The most significant risks are associated with heatwaves and flooding, driven by rising temperatures and changing rainfall patterns.

Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing a threat to public health, particularly for elderly and vulnerable residents. The urban heat island effect may exacerbate these conditions, leading to higher temperatures in built-up areas. Residents should take precautions during heatwaves, such as staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned environments.

Flooding is another concern, with the potential for increased rainfall intensity and stormwater runoff to overwhelm drainage systems. Properties in low-lying areas may be particularly vulnerable. Maintaining drainage infrastructure and implementing flood mitigation measures are crucial for reducing the risk of flooding.

While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other regions, it is still important to be aware of the potential for grassfires, especially during dry periods. Maintaining vegetation around properties and having a bushfire survival plan can help mitigate this risk.

Overall, Elizabeth needs to focus on adaptation strategies to address the impacts of climate change. These strategies should include measures to reduce heat vulnerability, improve flood resilience, and enhance community preparedness for extreme weather events.

Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Elizabeth?

The main climate change risks for Elizabeth are heatwaves and flooding. Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, while flooding may increase due to changing rainfall patterns.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Elizabeth?

To prepare for heatwaves, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, check on elderly neighbors, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Elizabeth?

The City of Playford is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to address the impacts of climate change, including measures to reduce heat vulnerability and improve flood resilience.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Elizabeth?

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

Are there any community groups working on climate change in Elizabeth?

Yes, there are several community groups working on climate change in the region. Contact the City of Playford for more information about local initiatives.

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 Elizabeth, use our analysis tool.

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Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
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

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections