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Climate Risk Assessment: Coolangatta, NSW

Coolangatta, New South Wales
Medium Risk
Updated May 2026

Coolangatta, NSW, faces a medium overall climate risk. The suburb is particularly vulnerable to heatwaves and flooding, with increasing risks projected for the future. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.2
Heat
7.1
Coastal
5.4

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Coolangatta

increasing

Flood

65/100

Coolangatta faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
increasing

Bushfire

42/100

The risk of bushfires in Coolangatta is moderate, influenced by surrounding vegetation and dry conditions during the fire season. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

71/100

Coolangatta is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

54/100

Coolangatta faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. These factors can impact infrastructure and property values.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
stable

Wind

28/100

Moderate wind risk — East Coast Lows and gust fronts

stable

Storm

39/100

Moderate storm risk — severe thunderstorms and hail

stable

Social

21/100

Moderate social stability — mixed urban density

increasing

Energy

35/100

Moderate energy costs — climate-driven cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Coolangatta

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

71/100

Coolangatta is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can pose health risks, especially for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.6

2050

8.1

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Coolangatta faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

54/100

Coolangatta faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. These factors can impact infrastructure and property values.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.9

2050

6.4

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

The risk of bushfires in Coolangatta is moderate, influenced by surrounding vegetation and dry conditions during the fire season. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price fluctuations.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Review insurance coverage and potential premium increases.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate projections for the area.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Coolangatta Creek
Elevation Range
5-20 meters
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near Coolangatta Creek

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the creek. Council maintains flood maps and provides guidance on flood preparedness.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to forested areas
Planning Overlay
RFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties bordering bushland are at higher risk. Residents should maintain fire breaks and have a bushfire survival plan.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase. Vulnerable residents should take precautions during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
15 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying coastal areas may be affected by sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Some coastal erosion is present.

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas, impacting homes and businesses.

Source
2013
bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Coolangatta required fire crews to protect properties.

Source
2017
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source
2020
stormModerate

Severe storms caused damage to property and infrastructure.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.8(+0.3)7.1(+0.6)
bushfire424.4(+0.2)4.7(+0.5)
heat717.8(+0.7)8.6(+1.5)
coastal545.5(+0.1)5.8(+0.4)

By 2030, Coolangatta is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a slightly elevated risk of flooding. Bushfire risk will also see a marginal increase. Coastal risks remain relatively stable.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood barriers to protect properties from rising floodwaters.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Create and maintain fire breaks around properties, and develop a comprehensive bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Implement Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Establish cooling centers and provide support for vulnerable residents during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures such as seawalls and beach nourishment to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and erosion.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Coolangatta's Climate Risk Profile

Coolangatta, located in New South Wales, is exposed to a range of climate-related risks. The primary concerns are increasing heatwaves, potential for flooding, bushfire risk, and coastal hazards.

Rising temperatures are expected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing health risks to residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Changes in rainfall patterns may increase the risk of flooding, particularly in low-lying areas near waterways.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, with drier conditions and higher temperatures potentially leading to more frequent and intense fires. Coastal areas are vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion, which could impact infrastructure and property values.

Addressing these risks requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Mitigation efforts focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow down climate change, while adaptation strategies aim to reduce the vulnerability of communities to the impacts of climate change. These strategies include improving infrastructure, implementing early warning systems, and promoting community awareness.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NSW SES · NSW RFS · NSW Department of Planning and Environment

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Flood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Coolangatta?

Coolangatta faces increasing risks from heatwaves, flooding, bushfires, and coastal hazards due to climate change.

How will rising temperatures affect Coolangatta?

Rising temperatures will lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing health risks and straining infrastructure.

What can I do to prepare for increased flood risk?

Stay informed about flood warnings, elevate your home if possible, and have an evacuation plan in place.

How can I protect my property from bushfires?

Create fire breaks, clear vegetation around your home, and have a bushfire survival plan.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The council is developing climate adaptation strategies and working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Check the council website 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 Coolangatta, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Coolangatta →

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What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
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$300B+
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30-120%
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*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

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