Climate Risk Profile: Burketown, QLD
Burketown faces significant climate change risks, particularly from flooding and coastal hazards. The town's low-lying location makes it vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surges, while intense rainfall events can cause the Albert River to overflow. Residents should prepare for more frequent and severe extreme weather events.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Burketown
Flood
Burketown is highly susceptible to flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Albert River. Intense rainfall events can cause the river to overflow, inundating the town.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Bushfire risk in Burketown is relatively low due to the sparse vegetation and flat terrain surrounding the town. However, dry grass and scrub can still pose a fire hazard during the dry season.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Burketown experiences extreme heat during the summer months, with average maximum temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C. Climate change is expected to exacerbate heatwaves, increasing the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Burketown is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards due to its low elevation and exposure to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Sea level rise and storm surges pose a significant threat to infrastructure and property.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
Wind
Notable wind risk — tropical cyclone wind fields
Storm
Notable storm risk — cyclones and thunderstorms
Social
Moderate social stability — growth regions
Energy
Elevated energy costs — high cooling demand
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Burketown
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Burketown experiences extreme heat during the summer months, with average maximum temperatures frequently exceeding 35°C. Climate change is expected to exacerbate heatwaves, increasing the risk of heatstroke and other heat-related illnesses.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
8.2
2050
8.7
flood Risk
Burketown is highly susceptible to flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Albert River. Intense rainfall events can cause the river to overflow, inundating the town.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
8.8
2050
9.2
coastal Risk
Burketown is highly vulnerable to coastal hazards due to its low elevation and exposure to the Gulf of Carpentaria. Sea level rise and storm surges pose a significant threat to infrastructure and property.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
9.3
2050
9.6
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk in Burketown is relatively low due to the sparse vegetation and flat terrain surrounding the town. However, dry grass and scrub can still pose a fire hazard during the dry season.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Wind
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
3.7
2050
3.9
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Increasing premiums and potential difficulty obtaining coverage due to flood and coastal risks.
Price Impact
Potential for decreased property values due to increased climate risks.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to sea level rise and storm surges.
- 3.Inquire about insurance costs and availability.
- 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property values.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Albert River
- Elevation Range
- 0-10m
- Flood Zone
- Coastal Floodplain
Burketown is located on a flat coastal plain, making it highly susceptible to widespread flooding.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- 5km
- Planning Overlay
- UNKNOWN
- Bushfire Prone Area
- No
The area immediately surrounding Burketown is sparsely vegetated, reducing the risk of bushfires.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 34.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 15 days
Burketown experiences prolonged periods of extreme heat during the summer months.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 2 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- High
- Erosion Risk
- Moderate
Historical Climate Events
Major flooding of the Albert River inundated much of Burketown, causing significant damage to homes and businesses.
SourceHeavy rainfall caused the Albert River to flood, impacting low-lying areas of Burketown.
SourceRecord-breaking temperatures were recorded in Burketown, with several days exceeding 40°C.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 85 | 8.8(+0.3) | 9.3(+0.8) |
| bushfire | 35 | 3.6(+0.1) | 3.7(+0.2) |
| heat | 78 | 8.4(+0.6) | 8.8(+1.0) |
| coastal | 90 | 9.4(+0.4) | 9.9(+0.9) |
Under a moderate emissions scenario, Burketown is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with the most significant impacts from heat and coastal hazards.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Upgrade Flood Defenses
ImmediateInvest in infrastructure to protect Burketown from increased flooding, such as levees, improved drainage systems, and flood-proofing buildings.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a Heat Action Plan
Near-termImplement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreCoastal Protection Measures
Near-termImplement coastal protection measures to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and storm surges, such as seawalls, beach nourishment, and mangrove restoration.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreCommunity Education and Awareness
Long-termRaise community awareness about climate change risks and adaptation measures through public education campaigns and workshops.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Burketown's Climate Risk Profile
Burketown, situated in the Gulf Country of Queensland, is a town that faces a unique set of climate-related challenges. Its low-lying coastal location makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise and storm surges. The Albert River, which flows through the town, also poses a significant flood risk during periods of heavy rainfall.
Climate change is expected to exacerbate these existing vulnerabilities. Rising sea levels will increase the frequency and severity of coastal inundation, threatening homes, businesses, and infrastructure. More intense rainfall events will lead to more frequent and severe flooding, potentially isolating the town and disrupting essential services.
In addition to coastal and flood risks, Burketown also experiences extreme heat during the summer months. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to public health, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other parts of Queensland, dry grass and scrub surrounding the town can still pose a fire hazard during the dry season. Residents should take precautions to reduce the risk of bushfires and be prepared to evacuate if necessary.
Addressing these climate change risks will require a coordinated effort from all levels of government, as well as the local community. Adaptation measures such as raising building heights, improving drainage infrastructure, and implementing early warning systems can help to reduce the impacts of extreme weather events. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is also essential to mitigate the long-term effects of climate change.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Fire and Emergency Services · Queensland Government
Local Government Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing Burketown?
Burketown is primarily at risk from flooding, coastal inundation due to sea level rise, and extreme heat events. Bushfire risk is lower but still present.
How will sea level rise affect Burketown?
Sea level rise will increase the frequency and severity of coastal flooding, potentially inundating low-lying areas and damaging infrastructure.
What can I do to prepare for flooding in Burketown?
Stay informed about flood warnings, develop a flood plan, and consider flood-proofing your home. Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.
Where can I find information about emergency services in Burketown?
You can find information about emergency services on the Queensland Police Service website.
What is the local council doing to address climate change in Burketown?
Currently, information on specific council climate strategies is unavailable. Contacting the council directly is recommended for the most up-to-date information.
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