Heat Risk in Oonoonba, QLD: 2026 Assessment

Oonoonba, Queensland· UNKNOWN
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.Updated 1 Apr 2026

Heat Risk Score

6.8/10

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 Facts

Heat Risk
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.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Oonoonba, QLD
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
4811
Highest high-risk exposure
14% of land (bushfire)

Heat Risk Analysis

Oonoonba in Queensland faces elevated extreme heat risk. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) reports that Australia's average temperature has increased by approximately 1.5 °C since 1910, with the frequency of extreme heat days rising across most regions.

The urban heat island (UHI) effect can make built-up areas of Oonoonba warmer than surrounding rural areas, particularly on summer nights. Dark roof materials, limited tree canopy cover, and heat-absorbing surfaces contribute to localised heat stress that varies by property.

Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and stay hydrated.

Get an address-level heat risk assessment from ClimateNest for Oonoonba including cooling cost estimates, heatwave vulnerability scoring, and adaptation recommendations tailored to your property.

Oonoonba (postcode 4811) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are bushfire (14% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (13.7% of land in high-risk zones), tropical cyclone (8.1% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Oonoonba — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.

Local Hazard Evidence

Avg January Max Temp31.5 °C
Heat Stress Events/Year5
Urban Heat ContextLimit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and stay hydrated.

Historical Events

2018
Moderate

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

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

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

Council & Emergency Services

Townsville City Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 1 April 2026

Explore Oonoonba Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

How hot does Oonoonba get in summer?

Oonoonba in Queensland experiences summer temperatures consistent with the regional climate. BOM publishes historical temperature data for weather stations near Oonoonba. Get a property-specific heat exposure assessment with projected cooling costs from ClimateNest.

Is extreme heat increasing in Oonoonba?

Australia-wide, extreme heat events have become more frequent since the mid-20th century, and this trend is consistent with CSIRO climate projections for Queensland. Continued warming is likely through 2050 under all emissions scenarios.

How does heat affect energy costs for Oonoonba properties?

Higher temperatures increase cooling demand, which raises electricity costs. ClimateNest provides energy cost projections based on your property's specific exposure to extreme heat days in Oonoonba and the performance of your building envelope.

What heat mitigation measures work best in Oonoonba?

Effective heat mitigation includes light-coloured roofing (cool roofs), ceiling and wall insulation, double-glazed windows, external shading, cross-ventilation design, and increasing tree canopy around the property. These measures reduce indoor temperatures and cooling costs.

What share of Oonoonba is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 14% of Oonoonba in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 77.9% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.

Is Oonoonba Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Oonoonba, Queensland, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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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