Climate Risk in Thuringowa, Queensland

Thuringowa, Queensland
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Thuringowa faces a moderate overall climate risk, with heat and flooding posing the most significant threats. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. 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
5.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Thuringowa

increasing

Flood

60/100

Thuringowa faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and riverine flooding. Proximity to waterways increases vulnerability.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

40/100

Bushfire risk in Thuringowa is moderate, with potential for grassfires and bushfires impacting properties bordering bushland areas. Dry conditions exacerbate the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

70/100

Thuringowa experiences a high risk from heatwaves and extreme heat, particularly during the summer months. Urban areas are more susceptible due to the heat island effect.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising average temperatures
  • ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
increasing

Coastal

50/100

Thuringowa faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including storm surge and sea level rise. Low-lying areas 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 Thuringowa

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

70/100

Thuringowa experiences a high risk from heatwaves and extreme heat, particularly during the summer months. Urban areas are more susceptible due to the heat island effect.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.5

2050

8.0

Data source

flood Risk

60/100

Thuringowa faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall events and riverine flooding. Proximity to waterways increases vulnerability.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Climate change

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.5

2050

7.0

Data source

coastal Risk

50/100

Thuringowa faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including storm surge and sea level rise. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

40/100

Bushfire risk in Thuringowa is moderate, with potential for grassfires and bushfires impacting properties bordering bushland areas. Dry conditions exacerbate the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Wind

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in areas with higher climate risk.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

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

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Ross River
Elevation Range
5-50 meters
Flood Zone
Areas near Ross River and its tributaries are prone to flooding.

Historical flood events have impacted residential and commercial areas in Thuringowa.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
0-5 km
Planning Overlay
Refer to the Queensland Bushfire Prone Area Map.
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Properties adjacent to or near bushland areas are at higher risk of bushfire.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
32.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
15 days

Urban areas experience higher temperatures due to the urban heat island effect.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
10 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Low-lying coastal areas may be exposed to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk
Some coastal areas are at risk of erosion.

Historical Climate Events

2019
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused significant flooding in parts of Thuringowa, impacting homes and businesses.

Source
2018
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in increased hospital admissions and strain on infrastructure.

Source
2015
stormModerate

Severe storms caused damage to property and infrastructure in Thuringowa.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood606.5(+0.5)7.0(+1.0)
bushfire404.2(+0.2)4.5(+0.5)
heat707.8(+0.8)8.5(+1.5)
coastal505.3(+0.3)5.6(+0.6)

By 2030, Thuringowa is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with heat and flooding posing the greatest challenges. Adaptation measures are needed to mitigate these impacts.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement Bushfire Management Strategies

Near-term

Clear vegetation around properties and implement fire breaks to reduce bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote Heat-Resilient Urban Design

Long-term

Plant trees and use reflective materials to reduce the urban heat island effect.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Raise Community Awareness

Immediate

Educate residents about climate risks and preparedness measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Thuringowa's Climate Risk Profile

Thuringowa, located in Queensland, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The region is projected to experience rising temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, and changes in rainfall patterns, leading to increased flood risk. Coastal areas are also susceptible to storm surge and sea level rise.

The primary climate risks for Thuringowa include flooding from heavy rainfall and riverine sources, bushfires in areas bordering bushland, and extreme heat during the summer months. These risks are expected to intensify as climate change progresses, potentially impacting property values, infrastructure, and community well-being.

Adaptation measures are crucial to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Thuringowa. These include improving drainage infrastructure to reduce flood risk, implementing bushfire management strategies, and promoting heat-resilient urban design. Community awareness and preparedness are also essential to ensure residents can respond effectively to extreme weather events.

Longer term, Thuringowa needs to focus on sustainable development practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance resilience to climate change. This includes investing in renewable energy, promoting energy efficiency, and protecting natural ecosystems that provide valuable ecosystem services.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Fire and Emergency Services · Townsville City Council

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks in Thuringowa?

The main climate risks in Thuringowa are flooding, bushfires, extreme heat, and coastal hazards such as storm surge and sea level rise.

How will climate change affect property values in Thuringowa?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions due to increased insurance premiums and potential damage from extreme weather events.

What can I do to prepare for extreme heat in Thuringowa?

Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day. Consider installing insulation and reflective window coverings to reduce heat gain in your home.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Thuringowa?

You can find flood maps and information on the Townsville City Council website and the Queensland Government's floodplain management website.

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

The Townsville City Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies, including improving drainage infrastructure, promoting sustainable development, and raising community awareness.

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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