Climate Risk in Elizabeth South, SA

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

Elizabeth South faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to heatwaves and flooding. While bushfire and coastal risks are low, the increasing frequency and intensity of heat events pose a significant concern for residents. Proactive adaptation measures are recommended to mitigate these risks.

Is Elizabeth South Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Elizabeth South, 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 South

Flood

Elizabeth South faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is expected to increase due to climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development

Bushfire

The bushfire risk in Elizabeth South is relatively low compared to other regions in South Australia, but still present due to nearby grasslands and reserves. Climate change may exacerbate conditions.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures

Heat

Elizabeth South is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations. The frequency and intensity of heat events are projected to rise.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Elizabeth South is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Elizabeth South

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Elizabeth South is susceptible to heatwaves, with increasing average temperatures posing a significant risk to vulnerable populations. The frequency and intensity of heat events are projected to rise.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover
Data source

flood Risk

Elizabeth South faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and potential stormwater runoff. The risk is expected to increase due to climate change.

Primary Drivers

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

coastal Risk

Elizabeth South is located inland and has a very low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast
Data source

bushfire Risk

The bushfire risk in Elizabeth South is relatively low compared to other regions in South Australia, but still present due to nearby grasslands and reserves. Climate change may exacerbate conditions.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Wind patterns
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and heatwave risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be slightly affected by increasing climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood risk maps
  • 2.Assess property's heat resilience
  • 3.Review insurance options
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades

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

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of localized flooding during heavy rainfall events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement heatwave early warning system

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert vulnerable populations and provide guidance on how to stay safe during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Increase urban greening

Near-term

Plant more trees and vegetation to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during hot weather.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water through education and incentives, reducing demand on water resources during dry periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Elizabeth South's Climate Risk Profile

Elizabeth South, located in the northern suburbs of Adelaide, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns for the suburb are rising temperatures and the potential for more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Flooding is another concern, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall. While the suburb is not directly adjacent to a major river, stormwater runoff and inadequate drainage infrastructure can lead to localized flooding. Climate change is expected to exacerbate this risk, with more intense rainfall events projected for the region.

Bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other parts of South Australia, but the presence of grasslands and reserves nearby means that the risk cannot be entirely discounted. It's important for residents to maintain their properties and be aware of bushfire safety guidelines.

Coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location. However, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and economic activity, could still affect Elizabeth South. Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of individual actions, community initiatives, and government policies. Investing in infrastructure improvements, promoting water conservation, and supporting vulnerable populations are all important steps.

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 South?

The main climate change risks for Elizabeth South are increasing heatwaves and potential flooding from heavy rainfall events.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Elizabeth South?

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

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

The City of Playford is implementing various initiatives to address climate change, including improving stormwater drainage and promoting water conservation.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Elizabeth South?

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 South?

Yes, there are several community groups in the City of Playford that are working on climate change and sustainability initiatives. Contact the council for more information.

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 South, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Elizabeth South's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

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

Climate Risk Profile for Elizabeth South, SA | ClimateNest