Climate Risk Assessment: Bundaberg North, QLD

Bundaberg North, Queensland
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Bundaberg North faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and coastal hazards. Rising temperatures and heatwaves also pose a threat. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.5
Bushfire
3.2
Heat
6.0
Coastal
6.5

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Bundaberg North

increasing

Flood

75/100

Bundaberg North faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Burnett River and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

32/100

The risk of bushfire in Bundaberg North is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to surrounding vegetation. Dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures
increasing

Heat

60/100

Bundaberg North experiences moderately high temperatures, with the risk of heatwaves increasing in the future. Vulnerable populations are at higher risk during extreme heat events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
increasing

Coastal

65/100

Bundaberg North is exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surge. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to inundation.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
increasing

Wind

35/100

Notable wind risk — tropical cyclone wind fields

increasing

Storm

39/100

Notable storm risk — cyclones and thunderstorms

stable

Social

24/100

Moderate social stability — growth regions

increasing

Energy

42/100

Elevated energy costs — high cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Bundaberg North

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Bundaberg North experiences moderately high temperatures, with the risk of heatwaves increasing in the future. Vulnerable populations are at higher risk during extreme heat events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

75/100

Bundaberg North faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Burnett River and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development reducing natural drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.0

2050

8.5

Data source

coastal Risk

65/100

Bundaberg North is exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surge. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to inundation.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

32/100

The risk of bushfire in Bundaberg North is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to surrounding vegetation. Dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in high-risk areas.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to bushfire.
  • 3.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise.
  • 4.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Burnett River
Elevation Range
2-10 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near the Burnett River are designated as flood zones.

Historical flood events have impacted Bundaberg North, highlighting the need for effective flood management strategies.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Within 1km of bushland areas.
Planning Overlay
Qld Fire and Emergency Services Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents should maintain fire breaks and be aware of fire danger ratings.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the future.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
15 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are at risk of inundation from sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Coastal erosion is a concern in some areas.

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodMajor

Severe flooding of the Burnett River caused widespread damage in Bundaberg North.

Source
2011
floodModerate

Flooding occurred in low-lying areas of Bundaberg North due to heavy rainfall.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted areas surrounding Bundaberg North, causing smoke haze and potential property damage.

Source
2023
stormModerate

A severe storm caused flash flooding and property damage in Bundaberg North.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood758.0(+0.5)8.5(+1.0)
bushfire323.5(+0.3)3.7(+0.5)
heat606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)
coastal657.1(+0.6)8.0(+1.5)

By 2030, Bundaberg North is projected to experience an increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Heatwaves will become more frequent and severe, and coastal hazards will be exacerbated by sea level rise.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in flood levees and drainage infrastructure to protect properties from inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Strengthen Building Codes

Near-term

Update building codes to require new construction to be more resilient to extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plans

Immediate

Implement heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect Coastal Ecosystems

Long-term

Restore and protect coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and wetlands to provide natural flood protection.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Bundaberg North's Climate Risk Profile

Bundaberg North, located in Queensland, is susceptible to a range of climate-related risks. The suburb's proximity to the Burnett River makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding, with intense rainfall events capable of causing significant inundation. Sea level rise and storm surges also pose a threat to coastal areas within the suburb.

Bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other regions, but still present due to surrounding vegetation. Hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of bushfires, especially during the dry season. Residents should be aware of fire safety measures and maintain their properties accordingly.

Rising temperatures and heatwaves are another concern for Bundaberg North. Extreme heat events can pose a health risk, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. It is important to stay hydrated and take precautions during periods of high heat.

Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the future. Projections indicate an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including floods, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Residents and businesses should take steps to adapt to these changes and mitigate their impact.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Fire and Emergency Services · Bundaberg Regional Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Bundaberg North?

Bundaberg North is primarily at risk from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surge.

How will climate change affect property values in Bundaberg North?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions, while properties in less vulnerable areas may retain their value.

What can I do to protect my home from flooding?

Consider installing flood barriers, elevating appliances, and improving drainage around your property.

Where can I find information about emergency preparedness?

Visit the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website for information about emergency planning and disaster preparedness.

Is Bundaberg North a good place to invest in property given the climate risks?

It depends on your risk tolerance and investment horizon. Consider the potential impact of climate change on property values and insurance costs before making a decision.

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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