Climate Risk in Monto, QLD

Monto, Queensland
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Monto faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly increasing the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and bushfire conditions. Residents should prepare for these potential impacts.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Monto

increasing

Flood

45/100

Monto experiences moderate flood risk due to its proximity to the Three Moon Creek. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
increasing

Bushfire

60/100

Monto faces a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland and dry conditions, particularly during the dry season. Grassfires are also a concern.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Prolonged drought periods
increasing

Heat

50/100

Monto experiences moderately high temperatures, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Monto is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

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 Monto

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Monto experiences moderately high temperatures, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.4

2050

5.8

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Monto experiences moderate flood risk due to its proximity to the Three Moon Creek. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Changes in land use
  • ·Aging infrastructure

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.8

2050

5.2

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Monto is located inland and does not face any direct coastal risks.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Monto faces a high bushfire risk due to the surrounding bushland and dry conditions, particularly during the dry season. Grassfires are also a concern.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Prolonged drought periods
  • ·Fuel load accumulation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.3

2050

6.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to the increased risk of flooding and bushfires.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone or bushfire-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire hazard overlays.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to flooding and bushfires.
  • 3.Obtain adequate insurance coverage.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Three Moon Creek
Elevation Range
200-250m
Flood Zone
Areas near Three Moon Creek are susceptible to flooding.

Historical flood events have impacted properties near the creek. Improved drainage and flood mitigation measures are needed.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to town
Planning Overlay
Check Queensland Rural Fire Service for current bushfire overlays.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is prone to grassfires and bushfires, especially during dry periods. Residents should maintain firebreaks and clear vegetation around their homes.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
33.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Heatwaves can pose a significant risk to vulnerable populations. Ensure adequate hydration and access to cooling during hot weather.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

Significant flooding occurred in the Monto area due to heavy rainfall, impacting homes and businesses.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires threatened the Monto area, requiring residents to be on alert and some evacuations.

Source
2023
heatwaveModerate

Monto experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for several days.

Source
2011
floodMajor

Widespread flooding impacted Monto and surrounding areas, causing significant damage to infrastructure and properties.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood454.7(+0.2)4.9(+0.4)
bushfire606.3(+0.3)6.5(+0.5)
heat505.4(+0.4)5.8(+0.8)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Monto is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by increases in heatwave intensity and bushfire frequency. Flooding risk will also increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in improved drainage systems and flood barriers to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Implement community-wide bushfire preparedness programs, including fuel reduction and evacuation planning.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Develop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Water Conservation

Long-term

Promote water conservation measures to ensure adequate water supply during prolonged drought periods.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Long-term

Implement community education programs to raise awareness about climate change risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Monto's Climate Risk Profile

Monto, Queensland, is a rural town that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding from Three Moon Creek, bushfires due to the surrounding dry bushland, and heatwaves during the summer months.

Flooding is a significant concern, with intense rainfall events capable of causing flash flooding and riverine flooding. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, leading to more frequent and severe flooding.

Bushfire risk is also high, particularly during the dry season. The surrounding bushland provides ample fuel for fires, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfire conditions.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions. Climate change is driving up average temperatures, leading to more extreme heat events.

While Monto is not located near the coast, indirect impacts from coastal changes could affect the region. It is important for residents to stay informed and take steps to prepare for these potential impacts.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Rural Fire Service · Queensland Government

Local Government Resources

North Burnett Regional Council

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Monto?

The main climate change risks in Monto 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?

You can prepare your property for flooding by improving drainage, installing flood barriers, and elevating appliances and furniture.

What should I do during a bushfire?

During a bushfire, follow the instructions of emergency services. If you are advised to evacuate, do so immediately. If you are staying, protect your home by wetting down the roof and clearing vegetation around the property.

How can I stay safe during a heatwave?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find more information about climate change in Monto?

You can find more information about climate change in Monto from the North Burnett Regional Council, the Queensland Government, and the Bureau of Meteorology.

Is Monto likely to become uninsurable due to climate change?

While it's difficult to predict the future with certainty, the increasing risks of flooding and bushfires could lead to higher insurance premiums or difficulty obtaining coverage in the long term. Taking steps to mitigate these risks can help improve insurability.

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 Monto, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Monto's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
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

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections