Climate Risk Assessment for Ross River, QLD

Ross River, Queensland

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Ross River faces notable risks from flooding and heatwaves, which are expected to worsen with climate change. Bushfire risk is moderate, while coastal risks are low due to its inland location. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.5

Bushfire

4.2

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.5

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Ross River

increasing

Flood

65/100

Ross River is prone to flooding due to its proximity to the Ross River and other waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flooding events.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·River overflow

increasing

Bushfire

42/100

Parts of Ross River have a moderate bushfire risk due to nearby vegetation. Hotter and drier conditions caused by climate change will likely increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

70/100

Ross River experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
·Urban heat island effect

stable

Coastal

15/100

Ross River is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surge.

Key drivers:

·Distance from the coast

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 Ross River

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

70/100

Ross River experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·River overflow
·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

15/100

Ross River is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surge.

Primary Drivers

·Distance from the coast

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.5

2050

1.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

Parts of Ross River have a moderate bushfire risk due to nearby vegetation. Hotter and drier conditions caused by climate change will likely increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions
·Vegetation density

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in areas with higher flood or bushfire risk.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and bushfire overlays.
2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Consider the potential for increased insurance premiums.
4.Review council climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Ross River
Elevation Range: Varies from 10m to 30m above sea level
Flood Zone: Areas near the Ross River are designated as flood zones.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Some properties are adjacent to bushland areas.
Planning Overlay: Check the QFES bushfire overlay maps for specific property risk.
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 32°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 10 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Low
Erosion Risk: Low

Historical Climate Events

2019

floodMajor

The Townsville floods caused widespread damage and displacement in Ross River and surrounding areas.

Source

2018

heatwaveModerate

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

Source

2015

stormModerate

Severe thunderstorms caused localized flooding and power outages in Ross River.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	65	7.0(+0.5)	7.5(+1.0)
bushfire	42	4.5(+0.3)	4.7(+0.5)
heat	70	7.7(+0.7)	8.5(+1.5)
coastal	15	1.5	1.5

By 2030, Ross River is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves and an increased risk of flooding. Bushfire risk will also increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as levees and improved drainage systems, to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Heat Action Plans

Immediate

Develop and implement heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire management strategies, including controlled burns and community education programs, to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water conservation measures to reduce water stress during periods of drought and high temperatures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Ross River's Climate Risk Profile

Ross River, Queensland, is a suburb that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns are flooding, driven by increased rainfall intensity and river overflow, and heatwaves, exacerbated by rising temperatures. Bushfire risk is also a factor, particularly in areas near vegetated land.

The suburb's proximity to the Ross River makes it susceptible to flooding. Climate projections indicate that rainfall events will become more intense, increasing the likelihood of riverine flooding. This poses a threat to properties and infrastructure located near the river.

Heatwaves are another significant concern. As temperatures rise, the risk of heat stress and heatstroke increases, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban heat island effect can further amplify these risks.

While coastal hazards are not a major concern due to the suburb's inland location, residents should still be aware of the potential for indirect impacts from severe weather events affecting coastal areas. Preparing for these climate-related risks is essential to ensure the safety and resilience of the community.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · QFES · 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 for Ross River?

The main climate change risks for Ross River are increased flooding, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a moderate risk of bushfires.

How will climate change affect property values in Ross River?

Properties in high-risk areas, such as those prone to flooding or bushfires, may experience a decrease in value due to climate change impacts.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Ross River?

Townsville City Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to address the risks of climate change, including flood mitigation and heatwave preparedness.

How can I prepare my home for increased heatwaves?

You can prepare your home for heatwaves by installing insulation, using fans and air conditioning, and planting trees to provide shade.

Where can I find information on flood risks in Ross River?

You can find information on flood risks in Ross River on the Townsville City Council website, including flood maps and information on flood mitigation measures.

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 Ross River, use our analysis tool.

Analyse a Property in Ross River →

Other Suburbs in Queensland

Acacia Ridge58 Airlie Beach58 Aitkenvale52 Albany Creek52 Alexandra Hills58 Algester52 View all Queensland suburbs →

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Ross River's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

Get Your flood Risk Report — A$69

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