Climate Risk Assessment for Glenelg, SA

Glenelg, South Australia· City of Holdfast Bay· 5045
Updated Mar 2026

Glenelg is a coastal suburb in South Australia facing increasing risks from climate change. The primary concerns are coastal erosion, flooding, and heatwaves, which are expected to worsen with rising sea levels and increasing temperatures. Residents and property owners should consider adaptation measures to mitigate these risks.

Is Glenelg Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Glenelg, 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 Glenelg

Flood

Glenelg faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to waterways. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels could exacerbate flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity

Bushfire

Bushfire risk in Glenelg is relatively low due to its urbanized environment and distance from significant bushland areas. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves could pose a localized risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Windy conditions

Heat

Glenelg experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during summer months. Urban heat island effect and increasing average temperatures contribute to this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increasing average temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Glenelg is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise. The coastline is exposed to storm surges and rising sea levels, threatening infrastructure and properties.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Glenelg

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Glenelg experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during summer months. Urban heat island effect and increasing average temperatures contribute to this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increasing average temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Heatwaves
Data source

flood Risk

Glenelg faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to waterways. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels could exacerbate flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Storm surge
Data source

coastal Risk

Glenelg is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and sea level rise. The coastline is exposed to storm surges and rising sea levels, threatening infrastructure and properties.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
  • ·Coastal erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

Bushfire risk in Glenelg is relatively low due to its urbanized environment and distance from significant bushland areas. However, dry vegetation in parks and reserves could pose a localized risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Windy conditions
  • ·Arson
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate change risks.

Price Impact

Properties closer to the coast may experience price reductions due to erosion and flood risks.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess coastal erosion risks.
  • 3.Evaluate property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related events.

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 drainage infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement coastal protection measures

Immediate

Construct seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against erosion and sea level rise.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote energy efficiency and reduce urban heat island effect

Long-term

Encourage the use of cool roofs, green spaces, and energy-efficient buildings to mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop community emergency plans

Near-term

Create community-based emergency plans to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Glenelg's Climate Risk Profile

Glenelg, a popular seaside suburb in South Australia, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Its low-lying coastal location makes it particularly susceptible to sea level rise and storm surges, which can lead to coastal erosion and flooding.

The risk of flooding is further exacerbated by increased rainfall intensity, which can overwhelm drainage systems and cause flash flooding. The urban environment also contributes to the urban heat island effect, increasing the severity of heatwaves during summer months.

While the risk of bushfire is relatively low compared to other areas, dry vegetation in parks and reserves can still pose a localized threat. It's important for residents to maintain their properties and be aware of fire safety during dry periods.

Climate projections indicate that these risks will continue to increase in the coming decades. Sea levels are expected to rise, leading to further coastal erosion and inundation. Average temperatures will also increase, resulting in more frequent and intense heatwaves. Residents and property owners should take proactive steps to adapt to these changes and protect their assets.

The City of Holdfast Bay is actively working to address climate change risks through various adaptation strategies. These include improving drainage infrastructure, implementing coastal protection measures, and promoting energy efficiency. Residents can also play a role by adopting sustainable practices and preparing 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 in Glenelg?

The main climate change risks in Glenelg are coastal erosion, flooding, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase with rising sea levels and increasing temperatures.

How will sea level rise affect Glenelg?

Sea level rise will lead to increased coastal erosion and inundation of low-lying areas in Glenelg, threatening properties and infrastructure.

What can I do to protect my property from flooding?

You can take several steps to protect your property from flooding, including improving drainage, raising the foundation, and installing flood barriers.

How can I prepare for heatwaves in Glenelg?

To prepare for heatwaves, stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

What is the City of Holdfast Bay doing to address climate change?

The City of Holdfast Bay is implementing various adaptation strategies, including improving drainage infrastructure, implementing coastal protection measures, and promoting energy efficiency.

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 Glenelg, use our analysis tool.

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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