Flood Risk in Scarness, QLD: 2026 Assessment

Scarness, Queensland· UNKNOWN
Scarness faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and riverine flooding.Updated 1 Apr 2026

Flood Risk Score

6.5/10

Scarness faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and riverine flooding.

Key Facts

Flood Risk
Scarness faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and riverine flooding.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Scarness, QLD
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
4655
Highest high-risk exposure
17.5% of land (bushfire)

Flood Risk Analysis

Scarness, located in Queensland, has a notable flood risk profile based on available data including proximity to waterways, elevation, and historical flood events. The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) maintains river height and flood warning data for catchments across Queensland.

Several properties in Scarness are located within designated flood zones, according to the Fraser Coast Regional Council.

Scarness faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to stormwater runoff and riverine flooding.

For a comprehensive property-specific flood assessment including address-level elevation data, flood overlay mapping, and insurance cost estimates, use the ClimateNest full analysis tool. General suburb data cannot replace a site-specific evaluation.

Scarness sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for flood risk. 11.8% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk flood zones and 65.8% in moderate-risk zones, based on the national hazard overlay. Exposure at this scale varies street by street, which is why an address-level check matters before you buy or insure a specific property in Scarness.

Scarness (postcode 4655) 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 (17.5% of land in high-risk zones), tropical cyclone (13.8% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (11.8% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Scarness — 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

Nearest WaterwayTorquay Canal
Elevation Range0-10 meters
Flood Zone ClassificationCoastal Flood Zone

Historical Events

2013
Moderate

Widespread flooding occurred in the Fraser Coast region due to ex-Tropical Cyclone Oswald, impacting Scarness with heavy rainfall and inundation.

2011
Moderate

Major flooding event impacted the Fraser Coast region, including Scarness, causing property damage and disruptions.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Implement Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Construct seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against sea level rise and storm surge.

Est. cost: High

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Raise Awareness of Climate Risks

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures through workshops, brochures, and online resources.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Fraser Coast Regional Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 1 April 2026

Explore Scarness Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scarness at risk of flooding?

Based on available data, Scarness has a notable flood risk profile. Flood risk varies by address — check your specific property for precise flood zone mapping and elevation data with ClimateNest.

What flood insurance costs can I expect in Scarness?

Insurance costs for flood cover in Scarness depend on the property's flood zone classification, elevation, and proximity to waterways. ClimateNest provides address-level insurance cost estimates based on your property's specific hazard exposure.

Does flood risk affect property values in Scarness?

Yes, flood risk can affect property values in Scarness. Properties in mapped flood zones may experience lower buyer demand, reduced valuations, and higher insurance costs. Lenders increasingly assess flood exposure as part of mortgage risk evaluation.

How does elevation affect flood risk in Scarness?

Elevation is a critical factor in flood risk. Properties at higher elevations within Scarness typically have lower flood exposure than those near waterways or in low-lying areas. Address-level elevation data combined with BOM flood mapping provides the most accurate picture.

What share of Scarness is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 17.5% of Scarness in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 59.8% 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 Scarness Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Scarness, 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