Climate Risk Profile: Burleigh Heads, QLD
Burleigh Heads faces a moderate climate risk, primarily driven by heatwaves, flooding, and coastal hazards. Rising temperatures and sea levels pose significant challenges to the suburb's infrastructure and community.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Burleigh Heads experiences a high risk of heatwaves and extreme heat events, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures can pose a threat to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
flood Risk
Burleigh Heads faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and potential inundation.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.5
2050
7.0
coastal Risk
Burleigh Heads is exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and erosion. The suburb's low-lying coastal areas are vulnerable to inundation and damage from storm surges.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
- ·Erosion
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.5
2050
7.5
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Burleigh Heads is relatively low due to the suburb's coastal location and urban development. However, areas bordering bushland may be susceptible during dry periods.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Wind patterns
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
3.5
2050
4.0
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 reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk if property borders bushland.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise on coastal properties.
- 4.Inquire about council plans for climate adaptation.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Tallebudgera Creek
- Elevation Range
- 0-20 meters
- Flood Zone
- Areas near Tallebudgera Creek are prone to flooding.
Historical flood events have impacted properties near the creek and low-lying areas.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Some areas border Burleigh Head National Park.
- Planning Overlay
- Qld Fire and Emergency Services Bushfire Prone Area Map
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
Properties adjacent to the national park require bushfire mitigation measures.
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.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 0.5 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Low-lying areas are vulnerable to sea level rise.
- Erosion Risk
- Beach erosion is an ongoing concern.
Historical Climate Events
Severe flooding impacted the Gold Coast region, including Burleigh Heads, causing property damage and disruptions.
SourceA prolonged heatwave affected Burleigh Heads, leading to increased hospital admissions.
SourceA major storm event caused significant damage to coastal areas, including Burleigh Heads, with strong winds and heavy rainfall.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 6.0 | 6.2(+0.2) | 6.4(+0.4) | 6.3(+0.3) | 6.6(+0.6) |
| bushfire | 3.0 | 3.1(+0.1) | 3.2(+0.2) | 3.2(+0.2) | 3.4(+0.4) |
| heat | 7.0 | 7.5(+0.5) | 7.8(+0.8) | 7.7(+0.7) | 8.0(+1.0) |
| coastal | 6.0 | 6.4(+0.4) | 6.7(+0.7) | 6.6(+0.6) | 6.9(+0.9) |
Under a moderate emissions scenario, Burleigh Heads is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with heat and coastal hazards posing the greatest challenges.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Develop a heatwave management plan
ImmediateImplement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreUpgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure
Near-termImprove the capacity of stormwater drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreImplement coastal protection measures
Near-termConstruct seawalls, restore dunes, and implement other measures to protect coastal areas from erosion and sea level rise.
Est. cost: High
Learn morePromote water conservation
Long-termEncourage residents and businesses to conserve water through education campaigns and incentives to reduce demand on water resources during droughts.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreEnhance bushfire preparedness
Near-termImplement bushfire mitigation measures in areas bordering bushland, such as creating firebreaks and conducting controlled burns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Burleigh Heads's Climate Risk Profile
Burleigh Heads, a coastal suburb in Queensland, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include heatwaves, flooding, and coastal erosion, all of which are projected to worsen in the coming decades.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a significant threat to public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The urban heat island effect exacerbates this risk, particularly in densely built-up areas.
Flooding is another major concern, with the suburb's low-lying areas susceptible to inundation from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, further elevating the risk of flooding.
Coastal erosion and sea level rise also pose a threat to Burleigh Heads' beaches and infrastructure. Rising sea levels can lead to increased erosion, inundation of low-lying areas, and damage to coastal properties.
Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, implementing adaptation measures, and increasing community awareness. By taking proactive steps, Burleigh Heads can enhance its resilience and protect its community from the impacts of climate change.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Qld Fire and Emergency Services · City of Gold Coast
Local Government Resources
City of Gold Coast
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Burleigh Heads?
The main climate change risks for Burleigh Heads include heatwaves, flooding, coastal erosion, and sea level rise. These risks are projected to worsen in the coming decades due to rising temperatures and changing weather patterns.
How will rising sea levels affect Burleigh Heads?
Rising sea levels can lead to increased coastal erosion, inundation of low-lying areas, and damage to coastal properties and infrastructure in Burleigh Heads. This could impact property values and the overall livability of the suburb.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Burleigh Heads?
The City of Gold Coast is implementing various strategies to address climate change, including developing a climate resilience strategy, upgrading stormwater drainage infrastructure, and promoting water conservation. They also provide resources and information to help residents prepare for climate-related events.
How can I prepare my property for climate change impacts in Burleigh Heads?
You can prepare your property by checking flood maps, assessing bushfire risk, considering the potential impact of sea level rise, and inquiring about council plans for climate adaptation. You can also implement measures such as installing rainwater tanks, improving insulation, and planting native vegetation.
Where can I find more information about climate change projections for Burleigh Heads?
You can find more information about climate change projections for Burleigh Heads on the CSIRO website and the Queensland Government's Department of Environment and Science website. These resources provide detailed data and analysis on projected climate impacts.
Are there any community groups in Burleigh Heads working on climate change?
Yes, there are several community groups in the Gold Coast region, including Burleigh Heads, that are working on climate change initiatives. These groups focus on raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and implementing local projects to reduce emissions and enhance resilience.
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