Climate Risk in Stanthorpe, Queensland

Stanthorpe, Queensland

Medium Risk

Updated Apr 2026

Stanthorpe faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves, which are expected to increase with climate change. The town's inland location mitigates coastal risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

55/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.0

Bushfire

4.0

Heat

7.0

Coastal

1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Stanthorpe

increasing

Flood

60/100

Stanthorpe faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near waterways and historical flood events. Climate change may increase the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development

increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Bushfire risk in Stanthorpe is moderate due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures associated with climate change could increase the likelihood and severity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

70/100

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

Key drivers:

·Rising average temperatures
·Increased frequency of heatwaves

stable

Coastal

10/100

Stanthorpe is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

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 Stanthorpe

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

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

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

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

flood Risk

60/100

Stanthorpe faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near waterways and historical flood events. Climate change may increase the intensity and frequency of heavy rainfall events, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Urban development
·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

coastal Risk

10/100

Stanthorpe is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bushfire risk in Stanthorpe is moderate due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures associated with climate change could increase the likelihood and severity of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions
·Fuel load

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area maps.
2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
3.Consider potential impacts of climate change on insurance premiums.
4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Quart Pot Creek
Elevation Range: 700-1000m
Flood Zone: Areas near Quart Pot Creek are susceptible to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Adjacent to Girraween National Park
Planning Overlay: Check Queensland Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 28.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 3 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 200 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Not applicable
Erosion Risk: Not applicable

Historical Climate Events

2010

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in Stanthorpe, impacting low-lying areas and businesses.

2019

bushfireModerate

Bushfires threatened Stanthorpe, leading to evacuations and property damage.

2013

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Stanthorpe, with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

2020

droughtModerate

Severe drought conditions impacted agriculture and water resources in the Stanthorpe region.

Climate Outlook to 2050

Projections based on CSIRO and BOM climate modelling. Scenario: RCP4.5

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	60	6.2(+0.2)	6.5(+0.5)
bushfire	40	4.1(+0.1)	4.3(+0.3)
heat	70	7.5(+0.5)	8.8(+1.8)
coastal	10	1.0	1.0

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Stanthorpe is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, primarily driven by increased heatwave frequency and intensity. Flood risk may also increase due to more intense rainfall events.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood control measures to reduce the impact of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Bushfire Mitigation

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation strategies, such as controlled burns and vegetation management, to reduce the risk of bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Heatwave Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and implement heatwave response plans to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Water Conservation

Long-term

Promote water conservation measures to ensure a sustainable water supply during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

About Stanthorpe's Climate Risk Profile

Stanthorpe, located in the Granite Belt region of Queensland, is vulnerable to a range of climate-related hazards. The town's proximity to waterways increases its risk of flooding, while surrounding bushland poses a bushfire threat. Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are also significant concerns.

Climate change is projected to exacerbate these risks. Increased rainfall intensity could lead to more severe flooding events, while drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the likelihood and severity of bushfires. Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing a greater risk to vulnerable populations.

While Stanthorpe is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, could indirectly affect the town. It is crucial for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures to adapt to these changing conditions.

These measures may include improving flood defenses, implementing bushfire mitigation strategies, and developing heatwave response plans. By taking action now, Stanthorpe can reduce its vulnerability to climate change and ensure a more sustainable future.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Fire and Emergency Services · Southern Downs Regional Council

Local Government Resources

Southern Downs Regional Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks facing Stanthorpe?

Stanthorpe faces increasing risks from heatwaves, flooding, and bushfires due to climate change. These risks are projected to worsen in the future.

How will climate change affect property values in Stanthorpe?

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions, while insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.

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

The Southern Downs Regional Council is responsible for implementing climate adaptation strategies and emergency response plans. Contact the council for more information.

How can I prepare my home for heatwaves in Stanthorpe?

Install air conditioning or fans, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Stanthorpe?

Contact the Southern Downs Regional Council or check the Queensland Government's flood mapping resources.

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