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Climate Risk in Rockhampton, Queensland

Rockhampton, Queensland· Rockhampton Regional Council· 4700
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Rockhampton faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.

Overall Risk Score

58/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.5
Bushfire
4.2
Heat
6.8
Coastal
1.5

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Rockhampton

increasing

Flood

75/100

Rockhampton is prone to flooding due to its location on the Fitzroy River. Increased rainfall intensity is expected to exacerbate flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
increasing

Bushfire

42/100

Bushfire risk is present due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase bushfire frequency and intensity.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

68/100

Rockhampton experiences high temperatures, and heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
stable

Coastal

15/100

Coastal risk is low as Rockhampton is located inland. Sea level rise and storm surges are not a significant threat.

Key drivers:

  • ·Distance from coast
  • ·Limited exposure to sea level rise
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 Rockhampton

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

68/100

Rockhampton experiences high temperatures, and heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.3

2050

7.8

Data source

flood Risk

75/100

Rockhampton is prone to flooding due to its location on the Fitzroy River. Increased rainfall intensity is expected to exacerbate flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Riverine flooding
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.0

2050

8.5

Data source

coastal Risk

15/100

Coastal risk is low as Rockhampton is located inland. Sea level rise and storm surges are not a significant threat.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Distance from coast
  • ·Limited exposure to sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.5

2050

1.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

Bushfire risk is present due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase bushfire frequency and intensity.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risk.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price impacts.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Consider the impact of heatwaves on property value.
  • 4.Review insurance options and premiums.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Fitzroy River
Elevation Range
5m - 30m
Flood Zone
Various zones depending on proximity to the Fitzroy River

Historical flood events have impacted Rockhampton significantly, highlighting the need for preparedness.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to areas of bushland
Planning Overlay
Refer to QFES bushfire mapping
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Areas with significant vegetation are more susceptible to bushfire risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
5 days

Heatwaves can pose a significant health risk, especially to the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
40 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low
Erosion Risk
Low

Historical Climate Events

2017
floodMajor

Severe flooding of the Fitzroy River caused widespread damage and evacuations.

Source
2011
floodMajor

Extensive flooding impacted Rockhampton, causing significant disruption.

Source
2018
bushfireModerate

Bushfires near Rockhampton threatened properties and required emergency response.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions impacted Rockhampton, with record high temperatures.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood758.0(+0.5)8.5(+1.0)
bushfire424.7(+0.5)5.2(+1.0)
heat687.3(+0.5)7.8(+1.0)
coastal151.51.5

By 2030, Rockhampton is projected to experience increased flood and heatwave risks. Bushfire risk is also expected to rise. Coastal risks remain low.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Action Plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Educate the community about climate change risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Rockhampton's Climate Risk Profile

Rockhampton, located on the Fitzroy River, is particularly vulnerable to flooding. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flood events. The Fitzroy River's catchment area contributes to the risk, and urban development can exacerbate the impact of floods.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, with surrounding vegetation posing a threat. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires. Residents should be prepared and aware of bushfire safety measures.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Rockhampton, posing a risk to vulnerable populations. Rising average temperatures and the urban heat island effect contribute to this risk. It is important to stay hydrated and take precautions during heatwaves.

While Rockhampton is located inland, coastal risks are minimal. Sea level rise and storm surges are not a significant threat to the suburb. However, the broader region may experience coastal impacts that could indirectly affect Rockhampton.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · QFES

Local Government Resources

Rockhampton Regional Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Rockhampton?

The main climate change risks in Rockhampton are increased flooding, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher risk of bushfires.

How will climate change affect property values in Rockhampton?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price impacts. Increased bushfire risk and heatwaves could also affect property values.

What is the council doing to address climate change?

The Rockhampton Regional Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change impacts.

How can I prepare for a flood in Rockhampton?

Stay informed about flood warnings, develop a flood plan, and prepare an emergency kit. Consider flood-proofing your property.

What should I do during a heatwave in Rockhampton?

Stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and seek air-conditioned environments. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Rockhampton, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Rockhampton →

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