Climate Risk Profile: Goondiwindi, QLD
Goondiwindi faces significant climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. The town's location on the Macintyre River floodplain makes it vulnerable to increased rainfall and riverine flooding. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves will also pose challenges for residents.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Goondiwindi experiences hot summers, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This will put a strain on the local population, particularly the elderly and vulnerable.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
flood Risk
Goondiwindi is located on the Macintyre River floodplain, making it highly susceptible to flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
- ·Urban development
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
8.0
2050
8.5
coastal Risk
Goondiwindi is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards.
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
1.0
2050
1.0
bushfire Risk
While Goondiwindi is surrounded by agricultural land, there are areas of bushland that pose a bushfire risk. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and droughts, which can increase the risk of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drought conditions
- ·Vegetation dryness
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
3.5
2050
4.0
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to flood risk.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price decreases.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess the property's elevation and drainage.
- 3.Obtain flood insurance.
- 4.Consider the property's proximity to bushland.
- 5.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Macintyre River
- Elevation Range
- 200-220m
- Flood Zone
- High Risk
The Macintyre River has a history of flooding in Goondiwindi, with major events occurring in 2011 and 2012.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Within 5km
- Planning Overlay
- https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
Areas to the west and south of Goondiwindi are designated as bushfire prone areas.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 34°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 5 days
Goondiwindi experiences several days above 40°C each summer.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 500 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Not Applicable
- Erosion Risk
- Not Applicable
Historical Climate Events
Severe drought conditions impacted the Goondiwindi region, affecting agricultural production.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 7.5 | 8.0(+0.5) | 8.5(+1.0) |
| bushfire | 3.0 | 3.3(+0.3) | 3.5(+0.5) |
| heat | 7.0 | 7.7(+0.7) | 8.2(+1.2) |
| coastal | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 |
By 2030, Goondiwindi is projected to experience an increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Heatwaves will also become more frequent and severe.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Upgrade Flood Protection Infrastructure
ImmediateInvest in levees, drainage systems, and other infrastructure to protect Goondiwindi from flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImplement Heatwave Early Warning System
Near-termDevelop a system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Long-termEncourage residents and businesses to conserve water to reduce the strain on water resources during droughts.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreSupport Sustainable Agriculture
Long-termPromote agricultural practices that are resilient to climate change, such as drought-resistant crops and water-efficient irrigation.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Goondiwindi's Climate Risk Profile
Goondiwindi is a rural town located in southern Queensland, known for its agricultural industry and proximity to the Macintyre River. The town's climate is characterized by hot summers and mild winters, with rainfall occurring throughout the year.
However, Goondiwindi is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The most significant risk is flooding, as the town is situated on the Macintyre River floodplain. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, leading to more frequent and severe flooding.
Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves also pose a significant threat to Goondiwindi. These conditions can put a strain on the local population, particularly the elderly and vulnerable, and can also impact agricultural productivity.
While Goondiwindi is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the town may experience indirect impacts from climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration from coastal areas.
Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. This includes investing in flood protection infrastructure, implementing heatwave early warning systems, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Government · Goondiwindi Regional Council · Queensland Fire and Emergency Services
Local Government Resources
Goondiwindi Regional Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing Goondiwindi?
The main climate change risks facing Goondiwindi are flooding, heatwaves, and drought. The town is located on the Macintyre River floodplain, making it vulnerable to increased rainfall and riverine flooding. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves will also pose challenges for residents, and drought conditions can impact agricultural production.
How is the Goondiwindi Regional Council addressing climate change?
The Goondiwindi Regional Council is developing strategies to address climate change, including investing in flood protection infrastructure, implementing heatwave early warning systems, and promoting water conservation.
What can residents do to prepare for climate change?
Residents can prepare for climate change by taking steps to reduce their risk of flooding, such as elevating their homes and purchasing flood insurance. They can also take steps to stay safe during heatwaves, such as staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. Conserving water is also important to reduce the strain on water resources during droughts.
Where can I find more information about climate change in Goondiwindi?
You can find more information about climate change in Goondiwindi on the Goondiwindi Regional Council website, the Queensland Government website, and the CSIRO website.
Is it safe to buy property in Goondiwindi given the flood risk?
Buying property in Goondiwindi is a personal decision. It is important to be aware of the flood risk and to take steps to mitigate that risk, such as purchasing flood insurance and choosing a property that is not located in a flood-prone area. Consult the council's flood maps before purchasing.
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