Climate Risk Assessment for Howard, QLD
Howard, Queensland, faces increasing climate risks, particularly from flooding and heatwaves. The town's proximity to the Burrum River and surrounding bushland increases its vulnerability to these hazards. Climate change projections indicate a worsening of these risks in the coming decades.
Overall Risk Score
Confidence: Medium
Hazard Breakdown
Climate Hazard Breakdown for Howard
Flood
Howard is located near the Burrum River and is susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall events. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall, leading to more frequent and severe flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Howard has areas of bushland surrounding the town, making it vulnerable to bushfires, especially during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and droughts, exacerbating bushfire risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Howard is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This will increase the risk of heat stress and heatstroke, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Howard is located inland, but is still indirectly affected by coastal hazards. Sea level rise can exacerbate flooding in the Burrum River, and changes in coastal weather patterns can affect rainfall and storm intensity.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
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 Howard
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
Howard is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves due to climate change. This will increase the risk of heat stress and heatstroke, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
6.5
2050
7.0
flood Risk
Howard is located near the Burrum River and is susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall events. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall, leading to more frequent and severe flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Riverine flooding
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
7.0
2050
7.5
coastal Risk
Howard is located inland, but is still indirectly affected by coastal hazards. Sea level rise can exacerbate flooding in the Burrum River, and changes in coastal weather patterns can affect rainfall and storm intensity.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
- ·Coastal erosion
Projections (RCP8.5)
2030
4.6
2050
5.0
bushfire Risk
Howard has areas of bushland surrounding the town, making it vulnerable to bushfires, especially during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and droughts, exacerbating bushfire risk.
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 are likely to increase due to the increasing risk of flooding and bushfires.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
- 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property value and comfort.
- 4.Review insurance coverage and premiums.
Local Climate Evidence
Flood Evidence
- Nearest Waterway
- Burrum River
- Elevation Range
- 5-15 meters
- Flood Zone
- Areas near the Burrum River are designated as flood zones.
Historical flood data indicates that Howard has experienced several significant flood events in the past.
View council flood mapBushfire Evidence
- Distance to Bushland
- Adjacent to bushland areas.
- Planning Overlay
- Refer to the Queensland Bushfire Prone Area map.
- Bushfire Prone Area
- Yes
The area experiences dry conditions during the bushfire season, increasing the risk of fire.
Heat Evidence
- Avg January Max Temp
- 31.5°C
- Heat Stress Days/Year
- 5 days
The number of days exceeding 35°C is projected to increase in the future.
Coastal Evidence
- Distance to Coast
- 15 km
- Sea Level Rise Exposure
- Indirectly affected by sea level rise through riverine flooding.
- Erosion Risk
- Low
Historical Climate Events
The Burrum River flooded, inundating low-lying areas of Howard and causing property damage.
SourceA bushfire near Howard threatened homes and required firefighting efforts to contain.
SourceHoward experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 35°C for several days, leading to heat stress and health concerns.
SourceSignificant flooding occurred in Howard due to heavy rainfall, causing widespread damage and displacement.
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) | 4.7(+0.7) |
| heat | 60 | 6.7(+0.7) | 7.2(+1.2) |
| coastal | 43 | 4.6(+0.3) | 5.0(+0.7) |
By 2030, Howard is projected to experience a notable increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Heatwaves will become more frequent and severe, posing a greater threat to public health. Bushfire risk will also increase due to drier conditions.
CSIRO Climate ProjectionsAdaptation Recommendations
Improve Flood Defenses
Near-termConstruct levees and improve drainage systems to protect properties from flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreBushfire Mitigation
Near-termImplement bushfire mitigation measures such as clearing vegetation around properties and creating firebreaks.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreHeatwave Preparedness
ImmediateDevelop a heatwave preparedness plan and establish cooling centers for vulnerable populations.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreCommunity Education
Long-termEducate residents about climate change risks and adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreUpgrade Infrastructure
Long-termUpgrade critical infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout Howard's Climate Risk Profile
Howard is a town in the Fraser Coast Region of Queensland, located near the Burrum River. The town's climate is subtropical, with warm, humid summers and mild, dry winters. Climate change is expected to significantly impact Howard, primarily through increased flooding, bushfire risk, and heatwaves.
Flooding is a major concern for Howard due to its location near the Burrum River. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are projected to exacerbate flooding events, potentially damaging property and infrastructure. Bushfire risk is also expected to increase due to hotter, drier conditions, posing a threat to homes and businesses.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, increasing the risk of heat stress and heatstroke, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. The town's infrastructure and emergency services will need to adapt to cope with these increasing risks.
Coastal hazards, while not directly impacting Howard, can indirectly affect the town through changes in weather patterns and increased flooding in the Burrum River. It is important for residents and businesses to be aware of these risks and take steps to prepare for them.
Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Fire and Emergency Services · Fraser Coast Regional Council
Local Government Resources
Fraser Coast Regional Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Howard?
The main climate change risks in Howard are increased flooding, bushfire risk, and heatwaves.
How will climate change affect property values in Howard?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased flood risk.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Howard?
Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek shelter in air-conditioned environments.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Howard?
You can find information about flood risks on the Fraser Coast Regional Council website and the Queensland Government website.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Howard?
The Fraser Coast Regional Council is developing and implementing climate change adaptation strategies to reduce the risks to the community.
Are there any grants available for climate change adaptation measures?
Check the Fraser Coast Regional Council and Queensland Government websites for information on available grants.
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