Climate Risk in Noosa, Northern Territory

Noosa, Northern Territory

High Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Noosa, NT, faces significant climate risks, particularly from bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. These risks are projected to increase in the future due to climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

72/100

High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.5

Bushfire

8.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

7.3

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Noosa

increasing

Flood

65/100

Noosa faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events. The risk is expected to increase due to climate change.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Sea level rise

increasing

Bushfire

80/100

Bushfire risk in Noosa is high due to the surrounding vegetation and dry climate. Climate change is projected to exacerbate these conditions.

Key drivers:

·Higher temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

70/100

Noosa experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Key drivers:

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect

increasing

Coastal

73/100

Coastal risks in Noosa include sea level rise and erosion. These risks are projected to worsen with climate change.

Key drivers:

·Sea level rise
·Increased storm surge

increasing

Wind

60/100

Notable wind risk — tropical cyclone winds

increasing

Storm

60/100

Notable storm risk — cyclones and monsoonal storms

stable

Social

35/100

Moderate social stability — remote communities

increasing

Energy

60/100

Elevated energy costs — year-round cooling

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Noosa

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

70/100

Noosa experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

·Rising global temperatures
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Noosa faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events. The risk is expected to increase due to climate change.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

73/100

Coastal risks in Noosa include sea level rise and erosion. These risks are projected to worsen with climate change.

Primary Drivers

·Sea level rise
·Increased storm surge

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.8

2050

8.3

Data source

bushfire Risk

80/100

Bushfire risk in Noosa is high due to the surrounding vegetation and dry climate. Climate change is projected to exacerbate these conditions.

Primary Drivers

·Higher temperatures
·Drier conditions
·Increased frequency of extreme weather events

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.5

2050

9.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Property values may be affected by increasing climate risks.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area overlays.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.
4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Local creeks and rivers
Elevation Range: Low-lying coastal areas
Flood Zone: Coastal and riverine floodplains

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay: Bushfire prone area overlay
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 33°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Vulnerable to sea level rise
Erosion Risk: Moderate erosion risk

Historical Climate Events

2019

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of the region.

Source

2020

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave impacted the region, with temperatures exceeding 40°C.

Source

2022

bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted areas near Noosa, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	65	6.8(+0.3)	7.1(+0.6)
bushfire	80	8.4(+0.4)	8.8(+0.8)
heat	70	7.6(+0.6)	8.2(+1.2)
coastal	73	7.7(+0.4)	8.1(+0.8)

By 2030, Noosa is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, bushfires, and floods. Sea level rise will continue to pose a threat to coastal areas.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a comprehensive bushfire management plan

Immediate

Implement strategies to reduce bushfire risk, including fuel reduction, community education, and improved fire response capabilities.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Upgrade infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events

Near-term

Strengthen buildings, roads, and other infrastructure to better withstand floods, heatwaves, and other climate-related hazards.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Implement coastal protection measures

Near-term

Protect coastal communities from sea level rise and erosion through the construction of seawalls, beach nourishment, and other measures.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents and businesses to conserve water to reduce the strain on water resources during periods of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Noosa's Climate Risk Profile

Noosa in the Northern Territory is vulnerable to a range of climate-related hazards. The primary concerns are increasing temperatures, more frequent and intense bushfires, and rising sea levels impacting coastal areas.

The risk of flooding is also present, particularly during the monsoon season, with potential for increased rainfall intensity due to climate change. This can lead to damage to property and infrastructure.

Heatwaves are becoming more common and severe, posing a significant threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can create dangerous conditions.

Coastal erosion and inundation are also growing concerns, threatening coastal communities and ecosystems. Sea level rise is expected to exacerbate these issues, leading to further loss of land and property.

Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is crucial to slowing down the rate of climate change, while adaptation measures can help communities prepare for and cope with the impacts that are already occurring.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · NT Emergency Services · NT Government

Local Government Resources

UNKNOWN

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Noosa?

The main climate change risks in Noosa include increasing temperatures, more frequent and intense bushfires, rising sea levels, and increased rainfall intensity leading to flooding.

How will climate change affect property values in Noosa?

Climate change is likely to affect property values in Noosa due to increased risks from bushfires, floods, and coastal erosion. Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decline in value.

What can I do to protect my home from bushfires?

To protect your home from bushfires, you can clear vegetation around your property, install fire-resistant building materials, and develop a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

How can I prepare for a flood?

To prepare for a flood, you can elevate your home, install flood barriers, and develop a flood emergency plan. Stay informed about flood warnings and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.