Climate Risk in Lowood, QLD

Lowood, Queensland· 4311

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Lowood faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.0

Bushfire

4.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Lowood

increasing

Flood

60/100

Lowood is located near the Brisbane River and its tributaries, making it susceptible to flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Riverine flooding

increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Lowood has some bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions associated with climate change will increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier vegetation

increasing

Heat

70/100

Lowood experiences hot summers, and climate change will lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

stable

Coastal

10/100

Lowood is not located near the coast, so coastal hazards are not a significant concern.

Key drivers:

·Distance from coast

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 Lowood

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

70/100

Lowood experiences hot summers, and climate change will lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Riverine flooding
·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Lowood is not located near the coast, so coastal hazards are not a significant concern.

Primary Drivers

·Distance from coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Lowood has some bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions associated with climate change will increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier vegetation
·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to increased flood and bushfire risk.

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 property defensibility.
3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property comfort and energy costs.
4.Review insurance options and potential premium increases.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Brisbane River
Elevation Range: 50-70m
Flood Zone: Areas near the Brisbane River are prone to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent to bushland areas.
Planning Overlay: Refer to the Queensland Bushfire Prone Area Map.
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 100 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable.
Erosion Risk: Not applicable.

Historical Climate Events

2011

floodMajor

The 2011 Brisbane River floods caused significant inundation in Lowood, affecting many homes and businesses.

Source

2019

bushfireModerate

Bushfires in the surrounding region caused smoke haze and elevated fire danger in Lowood.

Source

2013

floodModerate

Significant rainfall caused flash flooding in parts of Lowood.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP8.5

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	60	6.5(+0.5)	7.0(+1.0)
bushfire	40	4.3(+0.3)	4.5(+0.5)
heat	70	7.7(+0.7)	8.2(+1.2)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

By 2030, Lowood is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by increased flooding and heatwave intensity. Bushfire risk will also increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as levees and improved drainage systems, to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement community education programs on bushfire preparedness and property maintenance to reduce fire hazards.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Immediate

Develop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events, including establishing cooling centers and providing public health advice.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Sustainable Urban Planning

Long-term

Incorporate climate change considerations into urban planning decisions, such as promoting green infrastructure and water-sensitive urban design.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Lowood's Climate Risk Profile

Lowood, Queensland, is a rural town located in the Somerset Region. The primary climate risks for Lowood include flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Flooding is a significant concern for Lowood due to its proximity to the Brisbane River and its tributaries. Increased rainfall intensity associated with climate change will likely increase the risk of riverine flooding. Residents should be aware of flood warnings and have a plan in place to evacuate if necessary.

Bushfire risk is also present in Lowood due to the surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions will increase the likelihood of bushfires. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce fire hazards and be prepared to evacuate if a bushfire threatens the area.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Lowood. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Residents should take steps to stay cool during heatwaves, such as drinking plenty of water and spending time in air-conditioned environments.

Overall, Lowood faces a moderate level of climate risk. Residents should take steps to prepare for the impacts of climate change and reduce their vulnerability to extreme weather events.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Rural Fire Service · Somerset Regional Council

Local Government Resources

Somerset Regional Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Lowood?

The main climate change risks for Lowood are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to climate change.

How can I prepare my property for flooding in Lowood?

You can prepare your property for flooding by elevating appliances, storing valuables above flood level, and having a flood emergency plan in place.

What should I do during a heatwave in Lowood?

During a heatwave, you should stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activity.

Where can I find information about bushfire risks in Lowood?

You can find information about bushfire risks on the Queensland Rural Fire Service website and the Somerset Regional Council website.

How is the Somerset Regional Council addressing climate change?

The Somerset Regional Council is developing strategies to address climate change, including improving flood management and promoting sustainable development.