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Climate Risk in Burrum Heads, QLD

Burrum Heads, Queensland· Fraser Coast· 4659
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Burrum Heads is a coastal town in Queensland that faces several climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding, coastal erosion, and increasing heat. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
5.5
Coastal
6.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Burrum Heads

increasing

Flood

65/100

Burrum Heads is susceptible to flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Burrum River. Heavy rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

30/100

While not as high as other areas, Burrum Heads faces some bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of fire.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Increased temperatures
increasing

Heat

55/100

Burrum Heads experiences hot summers, and increasing temperatures due to climate change will exacerbate heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

60/100

As a coastal community, Burrum Heads is vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Increased storm surge can also impact the area.

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 Burrum 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

55/100

Burrum Heads experiences hot summers, and increasing temperatures due to climate change will exacerbate heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.0

2050

6.5

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Burrum Heads is susceptible to flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to the Burrum River. Heavy rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

60/100

As a coastal community, Burrum Heads is vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Increased storm surge can also impact the area.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

While not as high as other areas, Burrum Heads faces some bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of fire.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.
  • 4.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Burrum River
Elevation Range
0-10m
Flood Zone
Coastal and Riverine Floodplain

Several areas are prone to inundation during heavy rainfall events, particularly near the river and along the coast.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas
Planning Overlay
https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Some properties are located in or near bushfire-prone areas, requiring appropriate mitigation measures.

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 in the future.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are exposed to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk along some parts of the coastline

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

Widespread flooding occurred in the Fraser Coast region, including Burrum Heads, due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald.

Source
2011
floodMajor

Severe flooding impacted the region, causing significant damage to infrastructure and properties.

Source
2020
stormModerate

A severe storm caused damage to homes and businesses in Burrum 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)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat555.8(+0.3)6.2(+0.7)
coastal606.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)

By 2030, Burrum Heads is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly flooding and heatwaves.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees and drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Strengthen Coastal Protection

Near-term

Implement measures to protect against coastal erosion, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Create a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Long-term

Implement measures to reduce bushfire risk, such as vegetation management and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Burrum Heads's Climate Risk Profile

Burrum Heads, located in the Fraser Coast region of Queensland, is a charming coastal community known for its natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle. However, like many coastal areas, it is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Flooding is a significant concern for Burrum Heads due to its low-lying topography and proximity to the Burrum River. Heavy rainfall events can cause the river to overflow, inundating homes and businesses. Sea level rise and storm surge further exacerbate the risk of coastal flooding.

Bushfire risk is present due to the surrounding bushland, although it is not as severe as in some other regions. Hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of bushfires, posing a threat to properties and the environment.

Rising temperatures are also a concern, with Burrum Heads experiencing increasingly hot summers. This can lead to heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Coastal erosion is another significant threat, with sea level rise and increased storm intensity contributing to the loss of beaches and damage to coastal infrastructure. Protecting the coastline is crucial for the long-term sustainability of Burrum Heads.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Emergency Services · Fraser Coast Regional Council

Local Government Resources

Fraser Coast Regional Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Burrum Heads?

The main risks are flooding, coastal erosion, and increasing heatwaves.

How is the council addressing climate change?

The Fraser Coast Regional Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.

What can I do to prepare for flooding?

Stay informed about flood warnings, prepare an emergency kit, and have a plan for evacuating your home if necessary.

How can I protect my property from bushfires?

Maintain your property by clearing vegetation, installing firebreaks, and having a bushfire survival plan.

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

You can find more information on the Fraser Coast Regional Council website, the Queensland Government website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.

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