Climate Risk Assessment for New Farm, QLD

New Farm, Queensland· Brisbane City· 4005
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

New Farm faces increasing risks from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards due to climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and consider adaptation measures.

Overall Risk Score

55/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.0
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for New Farm

increasing

Flood

60/100

New Farm is susceptible to flooding due to its proximity to the Brisbane River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood risks.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

30/100

Bushfire risk is relatively low in New Farm due to its urban environment and limited vegetation. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could slightly elevate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

70/100

New Farm is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Urban heat island effect will amplify the impact of rising temperatures.

Key drivers:

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

Coastal

60/100

As a suburb near the Brisbane River, New Farm faces potential impacts from sea level rise and storm surges. Coastal erosion and inundation are growing concerns.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 New Farm

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

New Farm is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Urban heat island effect will amplify the impact of rising temperatures.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Reduced vegetation cover

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

New Farm is susceptible to flooding due to its proximity to the Brisbane River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood risks.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

60/100

As a suburb near the Brisbane River, New Farm faces potential impacts from sea level rise and storm surges. Coastal erosion and inundation are growing concerns.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Bushfire risk is relatively low in New Farm due to its urban environment and limited vegetation. However, increased temperatures and drier conditions could slightly elevate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to rising flood and storm risks.

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 property's elevation and drainage.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Brisbane River
Elevation Range
2-10 meters
Flood Zone
Partial Flood Zone

Several streets in New Farm are prone to riverine flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
5km to Toohey Forest
Planning Overlay
Not significantly overlaid
Bushfire Prone Area
No

Bushfire risk is low due to the suburb's dense urban development.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Urban heat island effect contributes to higher temperatures in New Farm compared to surrounding areas.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low to Moderate
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2011
floodMajor

The 2011 Brisbane floods inundated parts of New Farm, causing significant damage to homes and businesses.

Source
2013
stormModerate

A severe thunderstorm caused flash flooding and power outages in New Farm.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

New Farm experienced a prolonged heatwave with temperatures exceeding 35°C for several days.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire303.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal606.3(+0.3)6.8(+0.8)

By 2030, New Farm is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, increased flooding risk, and moderate sea level rise.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing buildings.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Increase Green Spaces

Near-term

Plant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Coastal Management Strategy

Long-term

Develop a coastal management strategy to address sea level rise and erosion, including protecting or relocating vulnerable infrastructure.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About New Farm's Climate Risk Profile

New Farm, a vibrant suburb of Brisbane, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Its low-lying geography and proximity to the Brisbane River make it particularly susceptible to flooding, with potential for increased frequency and severity of inundation events.

Rising temperatures and the urban heat island effect pose a significant threat to residents, especially during summer months. Heatwaves are expected to become more common and intense, impacting public health and infrastructure.

Sea level rise and storm surges also present a growing risk to New Farm's coastal areas. Erosion and inundation could damage property and disrupt daily life.

Addressing these challenges requires proactive adaptation measures, including improved flood defenses, increased green spaces, and community awareness programs. By taking action now, New Farm can build resilience and protect its community from the worst effects of climate change.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest climate risk to New Farm?

The biggest climate risk to New Farm is flooding due to its proximity to the Brisbane River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.

How will climate change affect property values in New Farm?

Properties in flood-prone areas of New Farm may experience a decrease in value due to increased flood risk and insurance costs. Properties further from the river may be less affected.

What is the council doing to address climate change in New Farm?

Brisbane City Council is implementing various initiatives to address climate change, including improving flood defenses, increasing green spaces, and developing a climate adaptation strategy.

How can I prepare my home for flooding in New Farm?

You can prepare your home for flooding by raising electrical appliances, storing valuables above flood level, and installing flood barriers. Check the Brisbane City Council website for more information.

Where can I find information about emergency services during a climate event?

Information about emergency services during a climate event can be found on the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) website.

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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