Climate Risk in Mareeba, QLD

Mareeba, Queensland

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Mareeba faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change. The town's inland location mitigates coastal risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.5

Bushfire

4.2

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.5

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Mareeba

increasing

Flood

65/100

Mareeba faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near waterways and historical flood events. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood risks.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Proximity to waterways

increasing

Bushfire

42/100

Bushfire risk in Mareeba is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

70/100

Mareeba experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

stable

Coastal

15/100

Mareeba is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Key drivers:

·Distance from the 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 Mareeba

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

Mareeba experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing 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

65/100

Mareeba faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near waterways and historical flood events. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood risks.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Proximity to waterways
·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

15/100

Mareeba is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

Primary Drivers

·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.5

2050

1.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

Bushfire risk in Mareeba is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions
·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to increased climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
2.Assess bushfire risk and mitigation measures.
3.Consider heatwave preparedness.
4.Review council climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Barron River
Elevation Range: 400-500m
Flood Zone: Areas near the Barron River are prone to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Surrounded by bushland
Planning Overlay: Refer to QFES bushfire maps
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 50 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2019

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Mareeba, impacting homes and businesses.

Source

2018

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source

2017

bushfireMinor

A bushfire near Mareeba caused property damage and required evacuation of residents.

Source

Climate 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	42	4.5(+0.3)	4.8(+0.6)
heat	70	7.7(+0.7)	8.2(+1.2)
coastal	15	1.5	1.5

By 2030, Mareeba is projected to experience an increase in flood risk due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk will also increase due to drier conditions and higher temperatures. Heatwaves will become more frequent and severe, posing a greater risk to public health.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Upgrade flood infrastructure

Near-term

Invest in improved drainage systems and flood barriers to mitigate flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement bushfire management strategies

Near-term

Reduce fuel loads and improve firebreaks to protect properties from bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop heatwave preparedness plans

Immediate

Establish cooling centers and provide public education on heatwave safety.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Implement water restrictions and encourage water-efficient practices to address water scarcity.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Mareeba's Climate Risk Profile

Mareeba, located in Far North Queensland, is susceptible to a range of climate-related hazards. The primary concerns are flooding due to its proximity to waterways, bushfires due to surrounding bushland, and heatwaves during the summer months.

Climate change projections indicate an increase in the intensity and frequency of extreme weather events. This includes heavier rainfall, leading to increased flood risk, and prolonged dry periods, increasing bushfire risk. Rising temperatures will exacerbate heatwave conditions, posing health risks to vulnerable populations.

The local council and emergency services are working to mitigate these risks through improved infrastructure, bushfire management strategies, and heatwave preparedness plans. However, individual preparedness is also crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

Long-term adaptation strategies are needed to address the increasing climate risks. This includes investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, implementing stricter building codes, and promoting sustainable land management practices. Community awareness and education are also essential to build resilience and reduce vulnerability to climate change impacts.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · QFES · Mareeba Shire Council

Local Government Resources

Mareeba Shire Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Mareeba?

The main climate change risks in Mareeba are increased flooding, bushfire risk, and heatwaves.

How is the council preparing for climate change?

The council is developing climate adaptation plans and investing in infrastructure upgrades to mitigate climate risks.

What can I do to prepare for a flood?

You can prepare for a flood by developing a flood plan, purchasing flood insurance, and elevating your home if possible.

How can I protect my home from bushfires?

You can protect your home from bushfires by clearing vegetation around your home, installing firebreaks, and having a bushfire survival plan.

What should I do during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, you should stay hydrated, stay in air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activity.

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2022 insured disaster losses*

$300B+

climate risk to property by 2050*

30-120%

insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

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