Climate Risk in Noosa, ACT

Noosa, Australian Capital Territory
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Noosa, ACT, faces increasing risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves due to climate change. While coastal risks are minimal, proactive adaptation measures are recommended to mitigate the impacts of these hazards.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Noosa

increasing

Flood

40/100

Flooding may occur due to heavy rainfall and proximity to waterways.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Bushfire risk is present due to surrounding bushland.

Key drivers:

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load
increasing

Heat

50/100

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risk is negligible due to location.

Key drivers:

  • ·N/A
stable

Wind

24/100

Moderate wind risk — gusty summer winds

stable

Storm

28/100

Moderate storm risk — spring/summer thunderstorms

stable

Social

18/100

Moderate social stability — high public sector

increasing

Energy

32/100

Moderate energy costs — heating and cooling

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Noosa

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Flooding may occur due to heavy rainfall and proximity to waterways.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risk is negligible due to location.

Primary Drivers

  • ·N/A

Projections (N/A)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Bushfire risk is present due to surrounding bushland.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Increased fuel load
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by increased risk awareness.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire overlays.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Molonglo River
Elevation Range
550-600m
Flood Zone
Potentially affected areas near the Molonglo River

Areas near the Molonglo River are most susceptible to flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to nature reserves
Planning Overlay
ACT Emergency Services Agency Bushfire Overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties bordering nature reserves are at higher risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Urban areas experience higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2018
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions affected the ACT region.

Source
2020
stormModerate

Severe thunderstorms caused flash flooding in parts of Canberra.

Source
2003
bushfireCatastrophic

The 2003 Canberra bushfires had a devastating impact on the region.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.5(+0.5)5.0(+1.0)
bushfire606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
heat505.5(+0.5)6.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Noosa is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood, bushfire, and heatwave risks under a high emissions scenario.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood-proofing measures for properties.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Create and maintain firebreaks, clear vegetation around properties, and develop a bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Develop a community heatwave action plan, including cooling centers and outreach programs for vulnerable residents.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Water Conservation

Long-term

Implement water-saving measures in homes and gardens to reduce water demand during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Noosa's Climate Risk Profile

Noosa in the Australian Capital Territory is exposed to several climate-related risks. The primary concerns are increased flooding due to more intense rainfall events, a higher bushfire risk driven by drier conditions and increased fuel loads, and more frequent and severe heatwaves.

The risk of flooding is expected to increase as climate change leads to more extreme rainfall events. Urban development can also exacerbate flooding by increasing runoff. Residents should be aware of flood risks and take appropriate precautions.

Bushfire risk is also a significant concern, particularly during the dry summer months. The surrounding bushland creates a potential fuel source, and drier conditions increase the likelihood of fires. Homeowners should maintain their properties to reduce fire hazards and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. The urban heat island effect can further exacerbate heat stress in built-up areas. Residents should take steps to stay cool during heatwaves and check on elderly or ill neighbors.

While Noosa is not located near the coast, the suburb is still indirectly affected by broader climate change impacts. Addressing these risks requires a combination of individual actions, community initiatives, and government policies.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · ACT Emergency Services Agency · ACT Government Environment

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Noosa, ACT?

The main climate change risks in Noosa include increased flooding, higher bushfire risk, and more frequent and intense heatwaves.

How can I prepare my property for bushfires?

You can prepare your property by creating firebreaks, clearing vegetation, and developing a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay cool, drink plenty of water, and check on elderly or ill neighbors.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Noosa?

You can find information about flood risks on the ACT Government's environment website.

How is the ACT Government addressing climate change?

The ACT Government has a climate change strategy that includes targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.

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 Noosa, use our analysis tool.

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What A$69 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$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections