Climate Risk Assessment for Tewantin, QLD

Tewantin, Queensland· Noosa· 4565
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Tewantin faces moderate risks from flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events, potentially impacting property values and community well-being. Residents should prepare for these challenges and take steps to adapt.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
6.5
Bushfire
4.0
Heat
6.0
Coastal
4.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Tewantin

increasing

Flood

65/100

Tewantin faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Noosa River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood events.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
increasing

Bushfire

40/100

Bushfire risk in Tewantin is moderate, with bushland areas surrounding the suburb. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
increasing

Heat

60/100

Tewantin is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

40/100

Tewantin faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise and storm surge. Low-lying areas near the Noosa River are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity
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 Tewantin

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

60/100

Tewantin is likely to experience more frequent and intense heatwaves. Higher average temperatures can impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Tewantin faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Noosa River and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity could exacerbate flood events.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

40/100

Tewantin faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to sea level rise and storm surge. Low-lying areas near the Noosa River are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased storm intensity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bushfire risk in Tewantin is moderate, with bushland areas surrounding the suburb. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

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 risks.

Price Impact

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

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area designations.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider long-term climate risks when making a purchase.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Noosa River
Elevation Range
2-10 meters
Flood Zone
Medium

Areas close to the Noosa River are most susceptible to flooding during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent
Planning Overlay
QFES Bushfire Prone Area Map
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties bordering the Noosa National Park extension are at higher risk.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
3 days

Elderly residents are particularly vulnerable during heatwaves.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
2 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying areas near the river are exposed
Erosion Risk
Moderate

Historical Climate Events

2022
floodModerate

Major flooding event impacted Tewantin and surrounding areas, causing property damage and road closures.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires threatened Tewantin, requiring evacuations and property protection efforts.

Source
2013
floodMinor

Minor flooding occurred in Tewantin due to heavy rainfall.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood657.0(+0.5)7.5(+1.0)
bushfire404.3(+0.3)4.7(+0.7)
heat606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
coastal404.3(+0.3)4.7(+0.7)

By 2030, Tewantin is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in flood and heatwave risks. Bushfire and coastal risks are also expected to rise.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing, fire breaks, and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Near-term

Create a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Plan for Coastal Adaptation

Long-term

Develop a coastal adaptation plan to address sea level rise and storm surge, including managed retreat and infrastructure upgrades.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

About Tewantin's Climate Risk Profile

Tewantin, located on the Noosa River, is a suburb that faces a range of climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding, bushfires, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surge.

Flooding is a significant risk due to the suburb's proximity to the river and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, could lead to more frequent and severe flood events. This can damage property, disrupt infrastructure, and pose risks to human safety.

Bushfire risk is also a concern, particularly in areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures can increase the likelihood of bushfires, threatening homes and ecosystems. Residents need to be aware of bushfire safety measures and maintain their properties accordingly.

Heatwaves are expected to become more frequent and intense, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. The urban heat island effect can exacerbate these risks in built-up areas.

Coastal hazards, including sea level rise and storm surge, pose a threat to low-lying areas near the Noosa River. These hazards can cause erosion, inundation, and damage to infrastructure. Planning for coastal adaptation is essential to protect the community and its assets.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · QFES · Noosa Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Tewantin?

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

How will climate change affect property values in Tewantin?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price stagnation or decline, while insurance premiums are likely to increase.

What is the Noosa Council doing to address climate change?

The Noosa Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to protect the community and its assets.

How can I prepare my home for a flood in Tewantin?

Consider flood-proofing measures, such as raising electrical outlets and installing flood barriers. Keep sandbags on hand and have an evacuation plan.

What should I do during a heatwave in Tewantin?

Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors.

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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