Climate Risk in Charleville, QLD

Charleville, Queensland· Murweh· 4470
High Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Charleville faces significant climate risks, particularly from flooding and heatwaves. The town's location on the Warrego River floodplain makes it highly vulnerable to increased rainfall and riverine flooding. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves also pose a threat to residents.

Overall Risk Score

72/100
High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
8.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Charleville

increasing

Flood

85/100

Charleville is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location on the Warrego River floodplain. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

The area surrounding Charleville has a moderate bushfire risk due to dry vegetation and hot, windy conditions during the fire season. Climate change is projected to lengthen the fire season and increase the severity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier vegetation
increasing

Heat

70/100

Charleville experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
stable

Coastal

10/100

Charleville is located far inland and is not exposed to coastal hazards.

increasing

Wind

50/100

Notable wind risk — tropical cyclone wind fields

increasing

Storm

55/100

Notable storm risk — cyclones and thunderstorms

stable

Social

35/100

Moderate social stability — growth regions

increasing

Energy

60/100

Elevated energy costs — high cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Charleville

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Charleville experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·More frequent heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.4

2050

7.8

Data source

flood Risk

85/100

Charleville is highly susceptible to flooding due to its location on the Warrego River floodplain. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.8

2050

9.2

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Charleville is located far inland and is not exposed to coastal hazards.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

The area surrounding Charleville has a moderate bushfire risk due to dry vegetation and hot, windy conditions during the fire season. Climate change is projected to lengthen the fire season and increase the severity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier vegetation
  • ·Longer fire season

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.3

2050

6.7

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the high flood risk and increasing frequency of extreme weather events.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of damage and insurance costs.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to bushfires.
  • 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on energy costs and comfort.
  • 4.Obtain a comprehensive building inspection.
  • 5.Review insurance options and costs.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Warrego River
Elevation Range
250-270m
Flood Zone
High Risk

Charleville has a history of major flooding events, with the Warrego River regularly exceeding its banks. Recent events have highlighted the need for improved flood mitigation measures.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
Queensland Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area surrounding Charleville is classified as a bushfire-prone area, with a history of bushfires impacting the town and surrounding properties.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
36.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Charleville experiences extreme heat during summer, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees Celsius. Heatwaves pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
800 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Not Applicable
Erosion Risk
Not Applicable

Historical Climate Events

2012
floodMajor

The Warrego River experienced major flooding, inundating parts of Charleville and causing significant damage to homes and businesses.

Source
2010
floodModerate

Moderate flooding occurred in Charleville, impacting low-lying areas and disrupting transport routes.

Source
2006
floodMajor

Major flooding of the Warrego River caused widespread inundation in Charleville, leading to evacuations and significant property damage.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Charleville experienced a prolonged heatwave with record-breaking temperatures, placing strain on infrastructure and impacting public health.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood858.8(+0.3)9.1(+0.6)
bushfire606.2(+0.2)6.4(+0.4)
heat707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Charleville is projected to experience an increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Heatwaves are also expected to become more frequent and severe.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in flood levees, drainage improvements, and early warning systems to reduce the impact of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as vegetation management and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop a Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce the impact of droughts and water scarcity.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Charleville's Climate Risk Profile

Charleville is located in southwestern Queensland and is susceptible to a range of climate-related hazards. The most significant risk is flooding, as the town is situated on the Warrego River floodplain. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events, leading to more severe and prolonged flooding. This poses a threat to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, particularly during the dry season. The surrounding landscape is characterized by dry vegetation, which can easily ignite under hot, windy conditions. Climate change is expected to lengthen the fire season and increase the severity of bushfires, potentially impacting the town and surrounding areas.

Heatwaves are another significant hazard in Charleville. The town experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

While Charleville is not located near the coast, it is still indirectly affected by climate change impacts such as drought and extreme weather events. These events can have significant economic and social consequences for the town and surrounding region.

Adapting to climate change is crucial for Charleville. This includes implementing measures to reduce flood risk, such as improving drainage infrastructure and implementing land-use planning controls. It also involves preparing for bushfires and heatwaves through community education and emergency response planning.

By taking proactive steps to address climate change risks, Charleville can protect its community and ensure a sustainable future.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Fire and Emergency Services

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Charleville?

Charleville faces significant risks from flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires due to climate change. Increased rainfall intensity and rising temperatures are the primary drivers of these risks.

How will climate change affect property values in Charleville?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of damage and insurance costs. Properties with high bushfire risk may also be affected.

What is the council doing to address climate change risks?

The Murweh Shire Council is working to improve flood defenses, enhance bushfire preparedness, and develop a heatwave management plan. They are also promoting water conservation measures.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change impacts?

Residents can prepare by checking flood maps, assessing their property's vulnerability to bushfires, considering the impact of heatwaves, and obtaining comprehensive building inspections. It is also important to review insurance options and costs.

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

You can find more information on the Murweh Shire Council website, the Queensland Government website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.

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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