Climate Risk in Cleveland, QLD

Cleveland, Queensland· Redland· 4163
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Cleveland is a coastal suburb in Queensland that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards, which are projected to worsen with climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.2
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.0/10

Cleveland experiences high temperatures during summer, with increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Cleveland faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to Moreton Bay. Heavy rainfall events can lead to stormwater and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

6.0/10

As a coastal suburb, Cleveland is vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Storm surges can exacerbate these risks, leading to inundation of low-lying areas.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm intensity
  • ·Coastal development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

3.2/10

Bushfire risk in Cleveland is relatively low, but some areas near bushland reserves are susceptible, particularly during dry periods with strong winds.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns
  • ·Land management practices

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

3.5

2050

3.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in high-risk areas due to flooding and coastal hazards.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal hazards.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Moreton Bay
Elevation Range
0-20m
Flood Zone
Areas near Moreton Bay and creeks are prone to flooding.

Historical flood events have impacted properties along the coast and near creeks.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Some properties are adjacent to bushland reserves.
Planning Overlay
Qld Fire and Emergency Services Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Residents in bushfire-prone areas should maintain firebreaks and have an evacuation plan.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Cleveland.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying coastal areas are exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Some coastal areas are at risk of erosion.

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

Severe flooding impacted Cleveland, causing property damage and road closures.

Source
2020
stormModerate

A severe storm caused damage to homes and businesses in Cleveland.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Cleveland, with temperatures exceeding 35°C for several days.

Source
2009
floodMajor

Major flooding event impacted the Redlands region, including Cleveland, causing widespread damage and displacement.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday20302050
flood6.56.9(+0.4)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire3.23.3(+0.1)3.5(+0.3)
heat7.07.5(+0.5)8.5(+1.5)
coastal6.06.3(+0.3)7.2(+1.2)

By 2030, Cleveland is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heatwave risks. Coastal hazards will also become more pronounced.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage systems to reduce flood risk in vulnerable areas.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Coastal Defenses

Long-term

Invest in coastal protection measures such as seawalls and beach nourishment to mitigate erosion and storm surge impacts.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Promote Sustainable Development

Near-term

Implement planning policies that promote sustainable development practices, including green infrastructure and water-sensitive urban design.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Immediate

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures through workshops and online resources.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Cleveland's Climate Risk Profile

Cleveland, located in the Redland City region of Queensland, is a suburb with a diverse landscape, including coastal areas, residential zones, and some bushland reserves. Its proximity to Moreton Bay makes it particularly vulnerable to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges.

Flooding is a significant concern in Cleveland, with low-lying areas susceptible to inundation during heavy rainfall events. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity and frequency of these events, posing a greater risk to properties and infrastructure.

Heatwaves are also becoming more common and severe, impacting the health and well-being of residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. The urban heat island effect can exacerbate these conditions in densely populated areas.

While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other parts of Queensland, some areas near bushland are still at risk, particularly during dry periods. It's important for residents to maintain their properties and be aware of fire safety measures.

Overall, Cleveland faces a range of climate-related challenges that require proactive adaptation measures to protect the community and environment. These measures include improving drainage infrastructure, implementing heatwave management plans, and promoting sustainable coastal development.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Qld Fire and Emergency Services · Redland City Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Cleveland?

The main climate risks in Cleveland are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges.

How is the council addressing climate change in Cleveland?

The Redland City Council is implementing various strategies to address climate change, including improving drainage infrastructure, developing heatwave management plans, and promoting sustainable development.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change impacts?

Residents can prepare for climate change impacts by checking flood maps, assessing their property's vulnerability to coastal hazards, inquiring about insurance costs, and considering the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Cleveland?

You can find more information about flood risks in Cleveland on the Redland City Council website, including flood maps and historical flood data.

Are there any community programs to help residents adapt to climate change?

Yes, the Redland City Council and other organizations offer community programs to help residents adapt to climate change, including workshops and online resources.

How will sea level rise affect Cleveland?

Sea level rise is expected to inundate low-lying coastal areas, increase the risk of storm surges, and cause coastal erosion in Cleveland.

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