ClimateNest
ClimateNest
PROPERTY ANALYTICS

Climate Risk in Rosslea, QLD

Rosslea, Queensland· UNKNOWN
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Rosslea is a suburb in Townsville, Queensland, that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding, heatwaves, and potential coastal impacts. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

5.8/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
7.0
Bushfire
3.0
Heat
7.0
Coastal
6.0

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

7.0/10

Rosslea experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·Increased humidity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

7.0/10

Rosslea faces a notable risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Ross River and other waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Proximity to waterways
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

coastal Risk

6.0/10

Rosslea is located inland from the coast, but is still potentially vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surges, particularly in low-lying areas along the Ross River.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.3

2050

6.8

Data source

bushfire Risk

3.0/10

Rosslea has a relatively low bushfire risk due to its urbanized environment and distance from large bushland areas. However, dry conditions and strong winds can still pose a threat.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry conditions
  • ·Strong winds
  • ·Proximity to vegetation

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 the rising risk of flooding and other climate-related hazards.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value as climate risks become more apparent.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the potential impact of climate change on property value.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Ross River
Elevation Range
5-15 meters
Flood Zone
Medium to High Risk

Historical flood data indicates that parts of Rosslea have been inundated in past flood events. The council has implemented some mitigation measures, but further upgrades may be necessary.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
1-2 km
Planning Overlay
QFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

While not directly adjacent to dense bushland, some areas of Rosslea are designated as bushfire prone due to the presence of nearby vegetation and prevailing wind patterns.

Heat Evidence

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

Townsville experiences high humidity, which exacerbates the effects of heatwaves. Residents should take precautions to stay cool and hydrated during hot weather.

Coastal Evidence

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

Historical Climate Events

2019
floodMajor

The Townsville floods of 2019 caused widespread inundation in Rosslea, damaging homes and businesses.

Source
2018
heatwaveModerate

Townsville experienced a prolonged heatwave in early 2018, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees Celsius for several consecutive days.

Source
2015
stormModerate

A severe storm caused flash flooding and property damage in parts of Rosslea.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood7.07.5(+0.5)8.0(+1.0)
bushfire3.03.2(+0.2)3.5(+0.5)
heat7.07.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal6.06.3(+0.3)6.8(+0.8)

By 2030, Rosslea is projected to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves, as well as an increased risk of flooding due to heavier rainfall events. Sea level rise may also begin to impact low-lying areas.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing of buildings.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers, public awareness campaigns, and early warning systems.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Coastal Protection

Long-term

Implement measures to protect coastal areas from sea level rise and storm surges, such as seawalls, beach nourishment, and mangrove restoration.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement measures to reduce bushfire risk, such as vegetation management, fire breaks, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Rosslea's Climate Risk Profile

Rosslea, located in Townsville, Queensland, is susceptible to a range of climate-related hazards. The suburb's proximity to the Ross River makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding, which is expected to worsen with increased rainfall intensity due to climate change.

Heatwaves are another significant concern for Rosslea. Rising global temperatures and the urban heat island effect are projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

While Rosslea is not directly on the coast, it is still potentially vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surges, particularly in low-lying areas along the Ross River. These events could cause damage to property and infrastructure.

Bushfire risk is relatively low in Rosslea due to its urbanized environment. However, dry conditions and strong winds can still pose a threat, particularly in areas adjacent to vegetation. Residents should maintain their properties to minimize fire hazards.

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

Local Government Resources

Townsville City Council

Climate StrategyFlood MapsEmergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Rosslea?

The main climate change risks in Rosslea are flooding, heatwaves, and potential coastal impacts from sea level rise and storm surges.

How will climate change affect property values in Rosslea?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value as climate risks become more apparent. Insurance costs are also likely to increase.

What is the council doing to address climate change in Rosslea?

The Townsville City Council is implementing various measures to address climate change, including improving flood defenses, developing a heat action plan, and strengthening coastal protection.

How can I prepare my home for flooding in Rosslea?

You can prepare your home for flooding by flood-proofing your property, elevating appliances, and having an emergency plan in place.

What should I do during a heatwave in Rosslea?

During a heatwave, stay cool and hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Get a Property-Specific Report

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

Analyse a Property in Rosslea →

Analyse Your Property Now

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

Free instant preview · Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only