ClimateNest
ClimateNest

Climate Risk Profile: Burnett Heads, QLD

Burnett Heads, Queensland· Bundaberg Regional· 4670
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Burnett Heads is a coastal town in Queensland that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, which are expected to worsen with climate change. Residents should prepare for these challenges and take steps to adapt to the changing environment.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.2
Heat
7.1
Coastal
6.4

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Burnett Heads

increasing

Flood

65/100

Burnett Heads faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Burnett River. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
stable

Bushfire

32/100

The bushfire risk in Burnett Heads is relatively low due to the coastal environment and limited vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the potential for bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry conditions
  • ·Strong winds
increasing

Heat

71/100

Burnett Heads experiences high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heat events, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

64/100

Burnett Heads is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. The low-lying coastline is particularly susceptible to these impacts.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
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 Burnett Heads

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

Burnett Heads experiences high temperatures during summer, with potential for heatwaves. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heat events, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.6

2050

8.2

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Burnett Heads faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Burnett River. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Coastal inundation
  • ·Riverine flooding

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

64/100

Burnett Heads is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. The low-lying coastline is particularly susceptible to these impacts.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Coastal erosion
  • ·King tides

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.3

Data source

bushfire Risk

32/100

The bushfire risk in Burnett Heads is relatively low due to the coastal environment and limited vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the potential for bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry conditions
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Vegetation density

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

3.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increasing risk of flooding and coastal erosion.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to climate change impacts.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
  • 3.Consider the potential impact of heatwaves on energy costs.
  • 4.Inquire about local climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Burnett River
Elevation Range
0-10 meters
Flood Zone
Coastal and riverine flood zones

Burnett Heads has experienced several significant flood events in the past, highlighting the ongoing risk to the community.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
500m to nearest bushland
Planning Overlay
https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

While the immediate town area has low bushfire risk, surrounding areas are prone to bushfires.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase significantly in the coming decades.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Significant exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
High erosion risk along unprotected coastlines

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodMajor

Severe flooding of the Burnett River caused widespread damage in Bundaberg and surrounding areas, including Burnett Heads.

Source
2011
stormModerate

Severe storms caused damage to property and infrastructure in Burnett Heads.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Record-breaking heatwave conditions affected Burnett Heads and surrounding regions.

Source
2022
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in low-lying areas of Burnett Heads.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire323.5(+0.3)3.8(+0.6)
heat717.7(+0.6)8.4(+1.3)
coastal646.8(+0.4)7.3(+0.9)

By 2030, Burnett Heads is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood, heat, and coastal hazards. Adaptation measures will be crucial to mitigate these impacts.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade flood defenses

Near-term

Invest in levees, drainage improvements, and other flood mitigation measures to protect properties and infrastructure from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement coastal protection strategies

Near-term

Develop and implement coastal protection strategies, such as beach nourishment and seawalls, to reduce coastal erosion and protect coastal assets.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a heatwave response plan

Immediate

Create a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation practices to reduce water demand and ensure water security during periods of drought.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance community awareness

Near-term

Raise community awareness about climate change risks and adaptation measures through public education campaigns and community engagement activities.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Burnett Heads's Climate Risk Profile

Burnett Heads, located in the Bundaberg region of Queensland, is a coastal community that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The town's low-lying geography and proximity to the Burnett River and the coast make it susceptible to flooding, coastal erosion, and storm surges. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves also pose a significant threat to public health and infrastructure.

The risk of flooding in Burnett Heads is driven by a combination of factors, including increased rainfall intensity, sea level rise, and the potential for riverine flooding from the Burnett River. Coastal erosion is another major concern, as rising sea levels and storm surges can erode beaches and damage coastal infrastructure. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves can also strain the town's resources and put vulnerable populations at risk.

To address these challenges, it is essential for residents and local authorities to take proactive steps to adapt to climate change. This includes investing in flood mitigation measures, such as levees and drainage improvements, as well as implementing coastal protection strategies to reduce erosion. It is also important to develop heatwave response plans and ensure that vulnerable populations have access to cooling centers and other resources.

By working together, the community of Burnett Heads can build resilience to climate change and protect its environment, economy, and way of life. This requires a commitment to sustainable development, responsible resource management, and a willingness to embrace innovative solutions to the challenges ahead.

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

Local Government Resources

Bundaberg Regional Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Burnett Heads?

The main climate change risks in Burnett Heads are flooding, coastal erosion, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the coming decades due to rising sea levels, increased rainfall intensity, and rising temperatures.

How will sea level rise affect Burnett Heads?

Sea level rise will increase the risk of coastal erosion and inundation in Burnett Heads, potentially damaging properties and infrastructure along the coastline. It will also exacerbate the risk of storm surges during cyclones and other severe weather events.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Burnett Heads?

To prepare for heatwaves, it is important to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek out air-conditioned environments. Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and people with chronic health conditions, should take extra precautions to stay cool and avoid heat stress.

What is the local council doing to address climate change in Burnett Heads?

The Bundaberg Regional Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to address the risks of climate change in Burnett Heads. These plans include measures to mitigate flooding, protect coastal assets, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Burnett Heads?

You can find more information about climate change risks in Burnett Heads from the Bundaberg Regional Council, the Queensland Government Department of Environment and Science, and the CSIRO.

Are insurance premiums likely to increase in Burnett Heads due to climate change?

Yes, insurance premiums are likely to increase in Burnett Heads due to the increasing risk of flooding and coastal erosion. It is important to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage and potential premium increases.

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 Burnett Heads, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Burnett Heads →

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Burnett Heads's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data
Get Your flood Risk Report — A$69

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