Climate Risk Assessment: Mooroobool, QLD

Mooroobool, Queensland· Cairns· 4870

Medium Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Mooroobool is a suburb in Cairns, Queensland, facing moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are increasing heatwaves and potential flooding due to increased rainfall intensity. Residents should prepare for more extreme weather events in the coming years.

Overall Risk Score

55/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.0

Bushfire

4.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Mooroobool

increasing

Flood

60/100

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

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Sea level rise

increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Bushfire risk in Mooroobool is relatively low but present due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

70/100

Mooroobool experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
·Urban heat island effect

increasing

Coastal

50/100

Mooroobool is located inland, but still faces indirect coastal risks. Sea level rise and storm surges could impact infrastructure and communities.

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 Mooroobool

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

Mooroobool experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
·Urban heat island effect
·Deforestation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Mooroobool faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. 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

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Mooroobool is located inland, but still faces indirect coastal risks. Sea level rise and storm surges could impact infrastructure and communities.

Primary Drivers

·Sea level rise
·Storm surge
·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bushfire risk in Mooroobool is relatively low but present due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions
·Vegetation dryness

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 flood and heat risks.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
4.Consider energy efficiency upgrades.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Freshwater Creek
Elevation Range: 5-15 meters
Flood Zone: Low to moderate risk areas identified

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: 1-2 km to surrounding bushland
Planning Overlay: QFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

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

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Low direct exposure, indirect impacts possible
Erosion Risk: Low

Historical Climate Events

2019

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding in Mooroobool, impacting some residential areas.

Source

2020

heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions affected Mooroobool, with temperatures exceeding 35°C for several consecutive days.

Source

2023

floodMinor

Minor flooding occurred due to heavy rainfall, primarily affecting low-lying areas near Freshwater Creek.

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	50	5.2(+0.2)	5.4(+0.4)

By 2030, Mooroobool is projected to experience a notable increase in heatwave frequency and intensity, along with a heightened risk of flooding due to more intense rainfall events. Bushfire risk will also slightly increase. Coastal impacts remain relatively low.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Heatwave Preparedness

Immediate

Develop a heatwave action plan, including public cooling centers and community outreach programs to protect vulnerable residents.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen Bushfire Resilience

Long-term

Implement bushfire mitigation measures, such as vegetation management and community education programs, to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

Encourage water conservation practices to reduce water stress during prolonged dry periods and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Mooroobool's Climate Risk Profile

Mooroobool, located in Cairns, Queensland, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb is expected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Flooding is another significant concern for Mooroobool. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, could lead to more frequent and severe flood events. This could damage property, disrupt infrastructure, and pose risks to human safety. The proximity to waterways exacerbates this risk.

While bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other regions, drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood of bushfires in the surrounding areas. Residents should remain vigilant and prepared for potential bushfire threats.

Indirect coastal risks, such as sea level rise and storm surges, could also impact Mooroobool. These events could damage infrastructure and disrupt supply chains, affecting the suburb's economy and livability. Adaptation measures are crucial to mitigate these risks and build resilience.

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

Local Government Resources

Cairns Regional Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Mooroobool?

The main climate change risks for Mooroobool include increased heatwaves, flooding due to more intense rainfall, and a potential increase in bushfire risk.

How will climate change affect property values in Mooroobool?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price stagnation or decline. Increased insurance premiums due to climate risks could also affect property values.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Mooroobool?

Cairns Regional Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies, including flood mitigation measures and heatwave preparedness plans.

How can I prepare my home for more frequent heatwaves?

You can improve your home's energy efficiency, install air conditioning or fans, and ensure adequate insulation to reduce heat exposure.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Mooroobool?

You can find information about flood risks on the Cairns Regional Council website, including flood maps and historical flood data.

Get your property's risk report

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