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Climate Risk Profile: Coolangatta, QLD

Coolangatta, Queensland· Gold Coast· 4225
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Coolangatta faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Sea-level rise and increased rainfall intensity are key drivers of these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and take steps to protect their properties.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.7

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Coolangatta

increasing

Flood

65/100

Coolangatta faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its coastal location and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea-level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
stable

Bushfire

30/100

The bushfire risk in Coolangatta is relatively low due to its urban development and coastal location. However, nearby bushland areas pose a potential threat during dry periods.

Key drivers:

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation
increasing

Heat

70/100

Coolangatta experiences high temperatures during summer, and the risk of heatwaves is increasing. Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense heat events.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

67/100

Coolangatta is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea-level rise. The coastline is exposed to storm surges and wave action, which can damage infrastructure and property.

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 Coolangatta

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

70/100

Coolangatta experiences high temperatures during summer, and the risk of heatwaves is increasing. Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense heat events.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Coolangatta faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its coastal location and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea-level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Coastal proximity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

67/100

Coolangatta is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea-level rise. The coastline is exposed to storm surges and wave action, which can damage infrastructure and property.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.2

2050

7.8

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

The bushfire risk in Coolangatta is relatively low due to its urban development and coastal location. However, nearby bushland areas pose a potential threat during dry periods.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

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 comfort and energy costs.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Tweed River
Elevation Range
0-20m
Flood Zone
Coastal Flood Zone

Low-lying areas near the Tweed River are particularly vulnerable to flooding.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
1-2km
Planning Overlay
QFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas adjacent to the bushland are designated as bushfire prone.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
29.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

The average maximum temperature in January is increasing due to climate change.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
High
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodMajor

Severe flooding impacted Coolangatta, causing damage to homes and businesses.

Source
2020
stormModerate

A severe storm caused damage to infrastructure and properties in Coolangatta.

Source
2017
coastalMinor

Coastal erosion damaged beaches and foreshores in Coolangatta.

Source
2013
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Coolangatta, leading to increased hospital admissions.

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)
heat707.7(+0.7)8.3(+1.3)
coastal677.3(+0.6)7.8(+1.1)

By 2030, Coolangatta is projected to experience increased flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to climate change.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Immediate

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Coastal Protection Measures

Near-term

Construct seawalls and implement beach nourishment programs to protect against coastal erosion.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plans

Immediate

Create heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Raise Awareness of Climate Risks

Long-term

Educate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Coolangatta's Climate Risk Profile

Coolangatta, located on the southern end of the Gold Coast, is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and surfing. However, the suburb is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

Flooding is a significant concern due to the suburb's low-lying coastal areas. Sea-level rise and increased rainfall intensity are expected to exacerbate the risk of inundation, potentially damaging properties and infrastructure. The local council is working to improve drainage systems and implement coastal protection measures.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. Rising average temperatures and the urban heat island effect contribute to this hazard. Residents should take precautions during hot weather, such as staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned environments.

Coastal erosion is another major threat, with sea-level rise and storm surges causing damage to beaches and foreshores. The coastline is constantly changing, and efforts are underway to protect vulnerable areas. These efforts include beach nourishment and the construction of seawalls.

Bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other parts of Queensland, but nearby bushland areas pose a potential threat during dry periods. Residents should maintain their properties and be aware of fire safety guidelines.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · QFES · City of Gold Coast

Local Government Resources

City of Gold Coast

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Coolangatta?

The main climate change risks in Coolangatta are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to sea-level rise, increased rainfall intensity, and rising temperatures.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The City of Gold Coast is implementing various measures to address climate change, including upgrading drainage infrastructure, implementing coastal protection measures, and developing heat action plans.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change?

Residents can take steps to protect their properties from flooding and coastal erosion, stay informed about heatwave warnings, and conserve water and energy.

Will insurance premiums increase in Coolangatta due to climate change?

Yes, insurance premiums are likely to increase in Coolangatta due to the increasing risks of flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Coolangatta?

You can find more information about climate change in Coolangatta on the City of Gold Coast website, the Queensland Government website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.

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