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Climate Risk Profile: Coolum Beach, QLD

Coolum Beach, Queensland· Sunshine Coast· 4573
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Coolum Beach is a coastal suburb in Queensland that faces moderate risks from climate change. The primary hazards include flooding, heatwaves, bushfires, and coastal erosion. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.2
Heat
7.1
Coastal
5.4

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Coolum Beach

increasing

Flood

65/100

Coolum Beach faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and riverine flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

42/100

Bushfire risk in Coolum Beach is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

71/100

Coolum Beach experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures can pose health risks to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

54/100

Coolum Beach faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and erosion. Coastal inundation can impact low-lying areas and infrastructure.

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 Coolum Beach

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

Coolum Beach experiences a high risk of heatwaves, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures can pose health risks to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.6

2050

8.1

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Coolum Beach faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff 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

54/100

Coolum Beach faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and erosion. Coastal inundation can impact low-lying areas and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.9

2050

6.4

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

Bushfire risk in Coolum Beach is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire-prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to coastal hazards.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider energy efficiency and water conservation measures.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Stumers Creek
Elevation Range
0-30m
Flood Zone
Areas near Stumers Creek are susceptible to flooding.

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the creek and low-lying areas.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Some properties border bushland reserves.
Planning Overlay
Refer to the Queensland 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
29.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Elderly and vulnerable residents are at higher risk during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are vulnerable to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Beach erosion is an ongoing concern.

Historical Climate Events

2007
floodModerate

Major flooding event impacted the Sunshine Coast region, including Coolum Beach, causing property damage and road closures.

Source
2009
stormModerate

Severe storms caused damage to property and infrastructure in Coolum Beach.

Source
2013
floodMinor

Localized flooding occurred in low-lying areas of Coolum Beach due to heavy rainfall.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the region caused smoky conditions and heightened fire risk in Coolum Beach.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood656.9(+0.4)7.4(+0.9)
bushfire424.4(+0.2)4.8(+0.6)
heat717.6(+0.5)8.4(+1.3)
coastal545.7(+0.3)6.2(+0.8)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Coolum Beach is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk by 2030, with notable increases in flood and heatwave risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve stormwater drainage

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement bushfire mitigation measures

Near-term

Clear vegetation around properties, create firebreaks, and develop community evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop a heatwave response plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers, provide public health information, and support vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Protect coastal areas from erosion

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures such as beach nourishment and dune stabilization.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Raise awareness about climate risks

Near-term

Educate residents about climate change impacts and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Coolum Beach's Climate Risk Profile

Coolum Beach, located on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is expected to experience rising temperatures, more intense rainfall events, and sea level rise, all of which will exacerbate existing hazards.

Flooding is a significant concern, particularly in low-lying areas near waterways. Increased rainfall intensity can overwhelm stormwater drainage systems and lead to property damage. Bushfire risk is also elevated due to drier conditions and higher temperatures, posing a threat to homes and infrastructure near bushland.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe, impacting public health and placing strain on energy resources. Coastal erosion and inundation are also growing concerns, threatening beaches, infrastructure, and coastal ecosystems.

Addressing these challenges requires a coordinated effort from residents, local government, and state agencies. Adaptation measures such as improved drainage, bushfire mitigation, and coastal protection are essential to building resilience and protecting the community.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · QFES · Sunshine Coast Council

Local Government Resources

Sunshine Coast Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Coolum Beach?

The main climate change risks in Coolum Beach include flooding, heatwaves, bushfires, and coastal erosion.

How will climate change affect property values in Coolum Beach?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions due to increased climate-related risks.

What can I do to protect my home from flooding?

You can improve drainage around your property, elevate appliances, and purchase flood insurance.

How can I prepare for a bushfire?

Clear vegetation around your property, create firebreaks, and develop a family evacuation plan.

Where can I find information about emergency services in Coolum Beach?

You can find information about emergency services on the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) website.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The Sunshine Coast Council has a climate strategy that outlines actions to reduce emissions and adapt to climate change impacts.

Get your property's risk report

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