Climate Risk in Oonoonba, QLD

Oonoonba, Queensland

Medium Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Oonoonba faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, potentially impacting property values and community well-being. Residents should take steps to prepare for these challenges.

Overall Risk Score

58/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

7.5

Bushfire

3.2

Heat

6.8

Coastal

5.7

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Oonoonba

increasing

Flood

75/100

Oonoonba is located near Ross River and coastal areas, making it susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events and sea levels, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Sea level rise

increasing

Bushfire

32/100

While not immediately adjacent to dense bushland, Oonoonba has some exposure to bushfire risk due to nearby vegetation and prevailing winds. Hotter, drier conditions associated with climate change can increase the likelihood and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

68/100

Oonoonba experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

increasing

Coastal

57/100

Located near the coast, Oonoonba is vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion. Climate change is expected to accelerate these processes, threatening coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.

Key drivers:

·Sea level rise
·Coastal erosion

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 Oonoonba

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

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

68/100

Oonoonba experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.

Primary Drivers

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.3

2050

7.8

flood Risk

75/100

Oonoonba is located near Ross River and coastal areas, making it susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events and sea levels, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Sea level rise
·Storm surge

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.0

2050

8.5

coastal Risk

57/100

Located near the coast, Oonoonba is vulnerable to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion. Climate change is expected to accelerate these processes, threatening coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.

Primary Drivers

·Sea level rise
·Coastal erosion
·Storm surge

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.2

2050

6.7

bushfire Risk

32/100

While not immediately adjacent to dense bushland, Oonoonba has some exposure to bushfire risk due to nearby vegetation and prevailing winds. Hotter, drier conditions associated with climate change can increase the likelihood and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions
·Wind patterns

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.7

2050

4.2

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to bushfire.
3.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise.
4.Inquire about council plans for climate adaptation.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Ross River
Elevation Range: 2-5 meters
Flood Zone: Yes

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: 2 km
Planning Overlay: https://www.qfes.qld.gov.au/bushfires
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

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

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 1.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Low-lying areas are at risk of inundation from sea level rise.
Erosion Risk: Some coastal areas are experiencing erosion.

Historical Climate Events

2019

floodMajor

The Townsville floods of 2019 caused widespread damage in Oonoonba and surrounding areas.

2018

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave in North Queensland put strain on local resources.

2015

stormModerate

Tropical Cyclone Nathan brought heavy rain and strong winds to the region.

2011

floodMajor

Widespread flooding across Queensland impacted Townsville and surrounding suburbs.

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	75	7.9(+0.4)	8.5(+1.0)
bushfire	32	3.3(+0.1)	3.7(+0.5)
heat	68	7.3(+0.5)	8.3(+1.5)
coastal	57	5.9(+0.2)	6.5(+0.8)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Oonoonba is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk by 2030, with the most significant increases in heatwave frequency and flood risk.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Medium

Strengthen Coastal Defenses

Long-term

Implement measures to protect against coastal erosion and sea level rise, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.

Est. cost: Very High

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Clear vegetation around properties and develop evacuation plans to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Low

About Oonoonba's Climate Risk Profile

Oonoonba, Queensland, is a suburb that faces a range of climate-related challenges. Its location near Ross River and the coast makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges. The increasing intensity of rainfall events and rising sea levels, driven by climate change, are expected to worsen these flood risks in the coming decades.

While not as immediate a threat as flooding, bushfire risk is also present in Oonoonba due to nearby vegetation and prevailing winds. Hotter, drier conditions associated with climate change can increase the likelihood and intensity of bushfires, posing a threat to properties and the environment.

Heatwaves are another significant concern for Oonoonba residents. The suburb already experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of these heatwaves. This can lead to heat stress and other health problems, particularly for vulnerable populations.

Finally, Oonoonba's coastal location makes it susceptible to the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion. These processes are expected to accelerate with climate change, potentially damaging coastal infrastructure and ecosystems. Residents and property owners should be aware of these risks and take appropriate adaptation measures.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Fire and Emergency Services · Townsville City Council

Local Government Resources

Townsville City Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Oonoonba?

The main risks are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, all of which are expected to worsen with climate change.

How can I protect my property from flooding?

Consider installing flood barriers, elevating appliances, and purchasing flood insurance.

What should I do during a heatwave?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities.

Is Oonoonba in a bushfire-prone area?

Yes, Oonoonba is considered a bushfire-prone area. Residents should take precautions to protect their properties.

Where can I find more information about climate change impacts in Townsville?

Visit the Townsville City Council website or the Queensland Government's Department of Environment and Science website.

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