Climate Risk in Mundingburra, QLD

Mundingburra, Queensland· UNKNOWN
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Mundingburra faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. The risk is projected to increase over time due to climate change impacts. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
3.2
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.0/10

Mundingburra experiences high heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events projected. This poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Mundingburra faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to Ross River and other waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development reducing natural drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

6.0/10

Mundingburra faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, primarily due to storm surge and sea level rise impacting low-lying areas near the Ross River. The risk is projected to increase over time.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

3.2/10

Bushfire risk in Mundingburra is relatively low due to the urban nature of the suburb, although some areas near parks or undeveloped land may face a slightly elevated risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Proximity to bushland
  • ·Dry vegetation

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.5

2050

3.8

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in high-risk areas due to flooding and coastal hazards.

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 the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise and storm surge.
  • 4.Review insurance options and premiums.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Ross River
Elevation Range
5-15 meters
Flood Zone
Medium to High Risk

Historical flood events have impacted properties along the Ross River. Council flood maps indicate areas at risk.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
1-3 km
Planning Overlay
QFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Some areas bordering parks and undeveloped land are designated as bushfire prone areas.

Heat Evidence

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

Average January maximum temperatures are increasing. Heat stress events are becoming more frequent and intense.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas near Ross River are exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2019
floodMajor

The Townsville floods of 2019 caused widespread inundation, impacting many homes and businesses in Mundingburra.

Source
2018
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in North Queensland led to increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source
2009
floodModerate

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

Source
1998
stormMajor

Severe storms caused damage to property and infrastructure in Mundingburra.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.56.8(+0.3)7.1(+0.6)
bushfire3.23.3(+0.1)3.4(+0.2)
heat7.07.7(+0.7)8.5(+1.5)
coastal6.06.4(+0.4)6.8(+0.8)

By 2030, Mundingburra is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, increased flooding risk, and rising sea levels. The overall climate risk is expected to increase moderately.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees, drainage improvements, and stormwater management systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Heatwave Early Warning System

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Plan for Sea Level Rise

Long-term

Develop a plan to address the impacts of sea level rise, including protecting coastal infrastructure and relocating vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

Encourage residents to conserve water through education and incentives, reducing demand on water resources during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Education Programs

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Mundingburra's Climate Risk Profile

Mundingburra, Queensland, is a suburb that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding from the Ross River and intense rainfall events, rising temperatures leading to more frequent and severe heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as storm surge and sea level rise.

The suburb's proximity to the Ross River makes it susceptible to riverine flooding, while intense rainfall can cause flash flooding in urban areas. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity and frequency of these rainfall events, exacerbating the flood risk.

Rising temperatures pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of Mundingburra residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify the impact of heatwaves.

Coastal hazards, including storm surge and sea level rise, also pose a threat to low-lying areas of Mundingburra. These hazards can cause damage to property and infrastructure, as well as displacement of residents.

Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. Adaptation measures include improving flood defenses, implementing heatwave early warning systems, and planning for sea level rise. Mitigation measures include reducing greenhouse gas emissions to slow the pace of climate change.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · QFES · Townsville City Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Mundingburra?

The main climate change risks in Mundingburra are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as storm surge and sea level rise.

How will climate change affect property values in Mundingburra?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased flood risk. Coastal properties may also be affected by sea level rise.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Mundingburra?

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Consider installing air conditioning or fans.

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

The Townsville City Council is developing and implementing climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies, including improving flood defenses and promoting sustainable development.

Where can I find more information about flood risks in Mundingburra?

You can find flood maps and historical flood data on the Townsville City Council website.

Is Mundingburra a good place to invest in property considering climate change?

While Mundingburra has many positive attributes, potential investors should carefully consider the climate risks, particularly flooding and heatwaves, and factor these into their decision-making process. Properties outside flood zones may be a safer investment.

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