Climate Risk Profile: Tannum Sands, QLD

Tannum Sands, Queensland· Gladstone· 4680
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Tannum Sands faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Residents should prepare for potential impacts and take steps to adapt to a changing climate.

Overall Risk Score

5.2/10
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
4.5

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

6.0/10

Tannum Sands experiences high temperatures during summer, leading to heat stress risk for vulnerable populations. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

6.5/10

Tannum Sands faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

4.5/10

Tannum Sands faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and storm surges. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable to inundation and erosion.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
  • ·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

bushfire Risk

4.0/10

Bushfire risk in Tannum Sands is moderate due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions increase the likelihood of bushfires, particularly during the summer months.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
  • 3.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise.
  • 4.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency and cooling options.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Boyne River
Elevation Range
0-20 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near the Boyne River are prone to flooding.

Historical flood data indicates that areas along the Boyne River have experienced significant flooding in the past.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to bushland areas.
Planning Overlay
Refer to the Queensland Bushfire Prone Area Map.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The presence of eucalyptus forests increases the risk of bushfires during dry periods.

Heat Evidence

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

Elderly residents and those with chronic health conditions are particularly vulnerable to heat stress.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas are exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk along the coastline.

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas of Tannum Sands.

Source
2018
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress for vulnerable residents.

Source
2020
coastalMinor

Storm surge caused minor coastal erosion along the beach.

Source
2022
floodModerate

Significant rainfall event led to localized flooding and road closures.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood6.56.9(+0.4)7.2(+0.7)
bushfire4.04.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)
heat6.06.5(+0.5)6.9(+0.9)
coastal4.54.6(+0.1)4.9(+0.4)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Tannum Sands is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heatwave risks.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Construct levees and improve drainage systems to protect low-lying areas from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Implement Bushfire Management

Near-term

Conduct controlled burns and clear vegetation around properties to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Establish cooling centers and provide public awareness campaigns to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Enhance Coastal Protection

Long-term

Implement coastal erosion management strategies, such as beach nourishment and seawall construction.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

Encourage water-efficient landscaping and rainwater harvesting to reduce water demand during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Tannum Sands's Climate Risk Profile

Tannum Sands, a coastal suburb in Queensland, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region faces a combination of risks, including flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges, bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation, heatwaves during the summer months, and coastal erosion from rising sea levels.

Flooding is a significant concern, with low-lying areas particularly susceptible to inundation. Climate change is projected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flood events. The proximity to waterways further elevates the risk.

Bushfire risk is also present, especially during dry periods. Hot, dry conditions can quickly escalate the threat of bushfires, posing a danger to properties and residents. The surrounding bushland provides fuel for potential fires.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, placing vulnerable populations at risk of heat stress. Rising average temperatures and the urban heat island effect contribute to this hazard. Coastal erosion is another concern, with sea level rise threatening to erode beaches and damage infrastructure.

Addressing these climate risks requires a multi-faceted approach, including adaptation measures to reduce vulnerability and mitigation efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Residents, businesses, and local authorities must work together to build a more resilient community.

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

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Tannum Sands?

Tannum Sands faces risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal erosion, all of which are expected to worsen with climate change.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The Gladstone Regional Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to reduce the community's vulnerability to climate risks.

What can residents do to prepare for flooding?

Residents can check flood maps, elevate their homes, and develop a flood emergency plan.

How can I protect my property from bushfires?

Clear vegetation around your property, install firebreaks, and have a bushfire survival plan.

What resources are available to help me cope with heatwaves?

Local cooling centers are available during heatwaves, and residents should stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.

Is Tannum Sands a good place to invest in property given climate change?

While Tannum Sands offers a desirable coastal lifestyle, potential investors should carefully consider the climate risks and potential impacts on property values.

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