Climate Risk Profile: Home Hill, QLD
Home Hill is a town in the Burdekin region of Queensland, known for its agricultural industry. The town faces several climate-related risks, including flooding from the Burdekin River, heatwaves, and potential impacts from coastal hazards.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Home Hill
Flood
Home Hill is located on the Burdekin River floodplain, making it susceptible to riverine flooding. Intense rainfall events can cause the river to swell, inundating low-lying areas.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
Bushfire
The risk of bushfire in Home Hill is relatively low due to the surrounding agricultural land and limited bushland areas. However, dry vegetation during the dry season can increase the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Windy conditions
Heat
Home Hill experiences high temperatures during the summer months, increasing the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these conditions.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Home Hill is located inland from the coast, but is still vulnerable to coastal hazards such as storm surge and sea level rise, particularly along the Burdekin River delta. These hazards 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 Home Hill
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
Home Hill experiences high temperatures during the summer months, increasing the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these conditions.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.5
2050
8.0
flood Risk
Home Hill is located on the Burdekin River floodplain, making it susceptible to riverine flooding. Intense rainfall events can cause the river to swell, inundating low-lying areas.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Riverine flooding
- ·Urban development reducing natural drainage
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.5
coastal Risk
Home Hill is located inland from the coast, but is still vulnerable to coastal hazards such as storm surge and sea level rise, particularly along the Burdekin River delta. These hazards can impact low-lying areas and infrastructure.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
- ·Erosion
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.5
2050
7.0
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Home Hill is relatively low due to the surrounding agricultural land and limited bushland areas. However, dry vegetation during the dry season can increase the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Windy conditions
- ·Proximity to grasslands
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
3.5
2050
3.8
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and cyclone risk.
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 elevation and drainage.
- 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
- 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property value.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Burdekin River
- Elevation Range
- 5-15m
- Flood Zone
- Designated Flood Zone
The Burdekin River is prone to rapid rises in water level during the wet season, impacting low-lying areas of Home Hill.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- 5km
- Planning Overlay
- https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
While not immediately surrounded by dense bushland, grasslands and scattered vegetation can pose a bushfire risk during dry periods.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 32.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 15 days
Home Hill experiences prolonged periods of high temperatures and humidity during the summer months, increasing the risk of heat stress.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 15 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Low-lying areas near the Burdekin River delta are susceptible to sea level rise.
- Erosion Risk
- Moderate erosion risk along the Burdekin River delta.
Historical Climate Events
Major flooding occurred in the Burdekin region due to heavy rainfall associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Trevor, impacting Home Hill.
SourceWidespread flooding occurred throughout Queensland, including the Burdekin region, causing significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture in Home Hill.
SourceClimate Outlook to 2050
Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5
| Hazard | Today | 2030 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|
| flood | 65 | 6.9(+0.4) | 7.5(+1.0) |
| bushfire | 32 | 3.3(+0.1) | 3.5(+0.3) |
| heat | 70 | 7.5(+0.5) | 8.5(+1.5) |
| coastal | 60 | 6.2(+0.2) | 6.8(+0.8) |
Under a moderate emissions scenario, Home Hill is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by increased flooding and heatwave intensity.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Upgrade Flood Defenses
Near-termInvest in levees and drainage systems to protect Home Hill from riverine flooding.
Est. cost: Millions of dollars
Learn moreDevelop Heat Action Plan
ImmediateImplement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Tens of thousands of dollars
Learn moreStrengthen Coastal Protection
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures to mitigate the impacts of storm surge and sea level rise.
Est. cost: Millions of dollars
Learn moreImprove Emergency Preparedness
ImmediateEnhance emergency preparedness and response capabilities to deal with climate-related disasters.
Est. cost: Thousands of dollars
Learn moreAbout Home Hill's Climate Risk Profile
Home Hill, situated in the Burdekin region of Queensland, is primarily an agricultural community. The town's location on the Burdekin River floodplain makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, with projections indicating an increase in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events.
The primary concern for Home Hill is the potential for riverine flooding. The Burdekin River can swell rapidly during intense rainfall, inundating low-lying areas and disrupting transportation networks. The town's infrastructure and agricultural lands are at risk from these flood events.
In addition to flooding, Home Hill experiences high temperatures during the summer months, posing a risk of heat stress for residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Climate change is projected to lead to even higher average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves, increasing the strain on the local healthcare system.
While Home Hill is located inland, it is still susceptible to coastal hazards such as storm surge and sea level rise, particularly along the Burdekin River delta. These hazards can impact low-lying areas and infrastructure, potentially causing significant damage.
Addressing these climate-related risks will require a multi-faceted approach, including investments in flood mitigation infrastructure, heatwave preparedness plans, and coastal protection measures. Community engagement and education are also crucial to building resilience and ensuring that residents are prepared for the challenges ahead.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Emergency Services · Burdekin Shire Council
Local Government Resources
Burdekin Shire Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks facing Home Hill?
Home Hill faces several climate-related risks, including flooding from the Burdekin River, heatwaves, and potential impacts from coastal hazards such as storm surge and sea level rise.
How is the Burdekin Shire Council addressing climate change?
The Burdekin Shire Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including investments in flood mitigation infrastructure and emergency preparedness planning.
What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves in Home Hill?
Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Home Hill?
Information about flood risks in Home Hill can be found on the Burdekin Shire Council website, including flood maps and historical flood data.
How will climate change affect property values in Home Hill?
Climate change may affect property values in Home Hill, particularly in flood-prone areas. Properties in these areas may experience price reductions due to increased flood risk.
Get your property's risk report
This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Home Hill, use our analysis tool.
Check Your flood Risk Now
Check Home Hill's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.
What A$69 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections