Climate Risk Profile: Currumbin, QLD
Currumbin is a suburb on the Gold Coast facing increasing climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding from Currumbin Creek, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Currumbin
Flood
Currumbin faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Currumbin Creek and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to creek overflows and flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Bushfire risk in Currumbin is moderate, particularly in areas bordering bushland reserves. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Currumbin experiences a high risk of heatwaves and extreme heat events. Rising temperatures pose a threat to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Currumbin 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
- ·Increased storm intensity
Wind
Notable wind risk — tropical cyclone wind fields
Storm
Notable storm risk — cyclones and thunderstorms
Social
Moderate social stability — growth regions
Energy
Elevated energy costs — high cooling demand
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Currumbin
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Currumbin experiences a high risk of heatwaves and extreme heat events. Rising temperatures pose a threat to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
flood Risk
Currumbin faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Currumbin Creek and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to creek overflows and flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.5
coastal Risk
Currumbin 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
- ·Increased storm intensity
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.0
2050
6.5
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk in Currumbin is moderate, particularly in areas bordering bushland reserves. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Vegetation dryness
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
4.5
2050
5.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in high-risk areas.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone or coastal areas may experience price impacts.
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.Inquire about insurance coverage and premiums.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Currumbin Creek
- Elevation Range
- 0-30 meters
- Flood Zone
- Areas near Currumbin Creek are designated as flood zones.
Historical flood events have impacted properties along Currumbin Creek. The council provides flood maps and information to help residents prepare for flood events.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Some properties border bushland reserves.
- Planning Overlay
- QFES bushfire prone area map
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
Residents in bushfire-prone areas should maintain firebreaks and have a bushfire survival plan.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 29.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 3 days
The number of days exceeding 30 degrees Celsius is expected 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
- Some coastal areas are at risk of erosion.
Historical Climate Events
Ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald caused widespread flooding in the region, including Currumbin.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 65 | 7.0(+0.5) | 7.5(+1.0) |
| bushfire | 40 | 4.3(+0.3) | 4.6(+0.6) |
| heat | 70 | 7.7(+0.7) | 8.5(+1.5) |
| coastal | 55 | 5.9(+0.4) | 6.3(+0.8) |
By 2030, Currumbin is projected to experience an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, particularly heatwaves and flooding. Sea level rise will also pose a growing threat to coastal areas.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve Flood Defenses
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing of buildings.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop Heatwave Early Warning System
ImmediateImplement a system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreProtect Coastal Areas
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures, such as beach nourishment, seawalls, and dune restoration, to protect against sea level rise and erosion.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement bushfire mitigation measures, such as vegetation management, firebreaks, and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Currumbin's Climate Risk Profile
Currumbin, located on the southern end of the Gold Coast, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying areas along Currumbin Creek make it susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall events. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity and frequency of these rainfall events, exacerbating the flood risk.
Rising temperatures pose another significant threat to Currumbin. Heatwaves are becoming more common and intense, placing stress on vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The urban environment can amplify the effects of heat, creating urban heat islands.
Coastal hazards, including sea level rise and erosion, also threaten Currumbin's coastal areas. Sea level rise can lead to inundation of low-lying areas, while erosion can damage beaches and infrastructure. Increased storm intensity can further exacerbate these coastal risks.
Bushfire risk is also present, particularly in areas bordering bushland reserves. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires, which can pose a threat to homes and property.
Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. Adaptation strategies include improving flood defenses, implementing heatwave early warning systems, and protecting coastal areas. Mitigation efforts focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow the pace of climate change.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · QFES · Gold Coast City Council
Local Government Resources
Gold Coast City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Currumbin?
The main climate change risks in Currumbin are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and erosion. Bushfire risk is also present in some areas.
How is the Gold Coast City Council addressing climate change?
The Gold Coast City Council is implementing a range of measures to address climate change, including developing a climate action plan, investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, and promoting sustainable development practices.
What can I do to prepare for flooding in Currumbin?
You can prepare for flooding by checking flood maps, developing a flood plan, and ensuring your property is adequately insured. Consider flood-proofing your home and moving valuables to higher ground.
How can I stay safe during a heatwave in Currumbin?
During a heatwave, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
What is being done to protect Currumbin's beaches from erosion?
The Gold Coast City Council is implementing coastal protection measures, such as beach nourishment and dune restoration, to protect Currumbin's beaches from erosion.
Are there any community groups in Currumbin focused on climate action?
Yes, there are several community groups in the Gold Coast region focused on climate action. Check with the Gold Coast City Council for a list of local environmental groups.
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