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Climate Risk Assessment for Manunda, QLD

Manunda, Queensland· Cairns· 4870
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Manunda is a suburb in Cairns, Queensland, that faces several climate-related risks. The most significant risks are flooding and heatwaves, with coastal hazards also being a concern. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.0
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Manunda

increasing

Flood

70/100

Manunda faces a notable risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

30/100

Bushfire risk in Manunda is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to nearby vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

Manunda experiences high temperatures and humidity, making it vulnerable to heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

60/100

Located near the coast, Manunda is susceptible to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges. These risks are expected to worsen with climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
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 Manunda

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

Manunda experiences high temperatures and humidity, making it vulnerable to heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·High humidity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

70/100

Manunda faces a notable risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

coastal Risk

60/100

Located near the coast, Manunda is susceptible to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges. These risks are expected to worsen with climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Bushfire risk in Manunda is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to nearby vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

4.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and coastal risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider potential impacts of sea level rise.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Freshwater Creek
Elevation Range
5-15m
Flood Zone
Medium Risk

Several properties in Manunda are located within identified flood zones.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Approximately 2km to the west
Planning Overlay
QFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Some areas on the outskirts of Manunda are designated as bushfire prone.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Manunda experiences several days above 30°C during the summer months.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas may be affected by sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Minimal erosion risk currently.

Historical Climate Events

2019
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in parts of Manunda.

Source
2018
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions affected Manunda and surrounding areas.

Source
2011
stormMajor

Tropical Cyclone Yasi caused significant damage in the region, including Manunda.

Source
2009
floodModerate

Widespread flooding impacted Cairns, including Manunda, following heavy rainfall events.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

HazardToday20302050
flood707.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat707.4(+0.4)7.9(+0.9)
coastal606.3(+0.3)6.7(+0.7)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Manunda is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heatwave risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as improved drainage systems and flood barriers.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Coastal Protection

Long-term

Implement measures to protect coastal areas from sea level rise and storm surges, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation strategies, such as vegetation management and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Manunda's Climate Risk Profile

Manunda, located in Cairns, Queensland, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying geography and proximity to waterways make it particularly susceptible to flooding, which is projected to worsen with increased rainfall intensity.

Heatwaves are another significant concern for Manunda. The region already experiences high temperatures and humidity, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing risks to public health and infrastructure.

Coastal hazards, such as sea level rise and storm surges, also pose a threat to Manunda. These risks are expected to increase as the climate changes, potentially impacting coastal properties and infrastructure.

While bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other regions, it is still a concern due to nearby vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk of bushfires in the future. Addressing these climate risks requires proactive adaptation measures and community resilience building.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · QFES · Cairns Regional Council

Local Government Resources

Cairns Regional Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Manunda?

The main climate change risks in Manunda are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges. Bushfire risk is also a concern, though relatively lower compared to other regions.

How is the Cairns Regional Council addressing climate change?

The Cairns Regional Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to address the impacts of climate change, including measures to mitigate flood risk and protect coastal areas.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves in Manunda?

Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. The council may also provide cooling centers during extreme heat events.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Manunda?

Information about flood risks in Manunda can be found on the Cairns Regional Council website, including flood maps and information about flood preparedness.

Are there any community initiatives to address climate change in Manunda?

Yes, there are various community initiatives focused on sustainability and climate action in the Cairns region. Check with local community groups and the Cairns Regional Council for more information.

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30-120%
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*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

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