Climate Risk Profile: Thursday Island, QLD

Thursday Island, Queensland· Torres Strait Island Regional· 4875

High Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Thursday Island faces significant climate change risks, particularly from flooding and coastal hazards. Rising sea levels and increased storm intensity pose a threat to infrastructure and communities. Heatwaves are also expected to become more frequent and intense.

Overall Risk Score

72/100

High

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

8.5

Bushfire

3.0

Heat

7.5

Coastal

9.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Thursday Island

increasing

Flood

85/100

Thursday Island faces a high risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and susceptibility to heavy rainfall events. Sea level rise and storm surges exacerbate this risk.

Key drivers:

·Sea level rise
·Increased rainfall intensity

stable

Bushfire

30/100

Bushfire risk on Thursday Island is relatively low due to the island's limited vegetation and high humidity. However, dry periods can increase the risk.

Key drivers:

·Dry periods
·Vegetation type

increasing

Heat

75/100

Thursday Island experiences high temperatures and humidity, leading to significant heat stress. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Key drivers:

·Rising temperatures
·High humidity

increasing

Coastal

90/100

Thursday Island is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. The low-lying nature of the island makes it particularly susceptible.

Key drivers:

·Sea level rise
·Storm surges

increasing

Wind

50/100

Notable wind risk — tropical cyclone wind fields

increasing

Storm

55/100

Notable storm risk — cyclones and thunderstorms

stable

Social

35/100

Moderate social stability — growth regions

increasing

Energy

60/100

Elevated energy costs — high cooling demand

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Thursday Island

Should I Buy

Property buying guide with climate risk assessment

Flood Risk

Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections

Bushfire Risk

BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history

Climate Safety

Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050

Storm Risk

Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis

Heat Risk

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

75/100

Thursday Island experiences high temperatures and humidity, leading to significant heat stress. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

·Rising temperatures
·High humidity

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.8

2050

8.2

Data source

flood Risk

85/100

Thursday Island faces a high risk of flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and susceptibility to heavy rainfall events. Sea level rise and storm surges exacerbate this risk.

Primary Drivers

·Sea level rise
·Increased rainfall intensity
·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

8.8

2050

9.2

Data source

coastal Risk

90/100

Thursday Island is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. The low-lying nature of the island makes it particularly susceptible.

Primary Drivers

·Sea level rise
·Storm surges
·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

9.3

2050

9.6

Data source

bushfire Risk

30/100

Bushfire risk on Thursday Island is relatively low due to the island's limited vegetation and high humidity. However, dry periods can increase the risk.

Primary Drivers

·Dry periods
·Vegetation type

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

3.2

2050

3.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the high risk of flooding and coastal damage.

Price Impact

Property values may be negatively impacted by climate change risks.

Buyer Checklist

1.Check flood history of the property.
2.Assess coastal erosion risks.
3.Inquire about insurance costs.
4.Consider long-term climate change impacts.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Torres Strait
Elevation Range: 0-10 meters
Flood Zone: Coastal inundation zone

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Limited bushland on the island
Planning Overlay: Not applicable
Bushfire Prone Area: No

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 31.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 15 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 0.1 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: High exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk: Significant erosion risk along the coastline

Historical Climate Events

2019

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused localized flooding on Thursday Island, impacting some residential areas.

Source

2020

stormModerate

A tropical low brought strong winds and heavy rain to Thursday Island, causing minor damage to infrastructure.

Source

2022

coastalMinor

High tides and storm surge caused minor coastal inundation in low-lying areas of Thursday Island.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	85	8.8(+0.3)	9.1(+0.6)
bushfire	30	3.1(+0.1)	3.2(+0.2)
heat	75	7.7(+0.2)	7.9(+0.4)
coastal	90	9.4(+0.4)	9.8(+0.8)

By 2030, Thursday Island is projected to experience increased flooding and coastal erosion due to sea level rise and more intense rainfall events. Heatwaves are also expected to become more frequent and severe.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Coastal Protection Measures

Immediate

Implement coastal protection measures such as seawalls, revetments, and beach nourishment to reduce erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Improved Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure to manage increased rainfall and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Management Plan

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Conduct community awareness programs to educate residents about climate change risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Thursday Island's Climate Risk Profile

Thursday Island, located in the Torres Strait, is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The island's low-lying coastal geography makes it particularly susceptible to sea level rise, storm surges, and coastal erosion. These factors contribute to a high flood risk, threatening homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

Rising temperatures and high humidity levels already create challenging conditions on Thursday Island. Climate change is projected to exacerbate these conditions, leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves. This poses a significant risk to public health, especially for vulnerable populations.

While bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other parts of Queensland, dry periods can increase the potential for vegetation fires. It's important to maintain awareness and preparedness for such events.

The Torres Strait Island Regional Council is working to address climate change challenges through various adaptation strategies. However, the scale of the threat requires ongoing investment and community involvement to ensure the long-term resilience of Thursday Island.

Protecting coastal areas, improving drainage infrastructure, and implementing heatwave management plans are crucial steps. Community education and awareness programs are also essential to build resilience and promote adaptive behaviors.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · QFES · Torres Strait Island Regional Council

Local Government Resources

Torres Strait Island Regional Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Thursday Island?

The main climate change risks for Thursday Island are flooding, coastal erosion, and heatwaves. Sea level rise and increased storm intensity exacerbate these risks.

How is the council addressing climate change?

The Torres Strait Island Regional Council is implementing various adaptation strategies, including coastal protection measures and improved drainage infrastructure. They are also working to raise community awareness about climate change risks.

What can residents do to prepare for climate change impacts?

Residents can prepare for climate change impacts by checking the flood history of their property, assessing coastal erosion risks, and inquiring about insurance costs. It's also important to stay informed about emergency plans and community awareness programs.

Where can I find more information about flood risks on Thursday Island?

You can find more information about flood risks on the Torres Strait Island Regional Council website or by contacting the council directly. State government resources also provide valuable information.

Are there any government grants available for climate change adaptation?

Government grants for climate change adaptation may be available from time to time. Check the websites of the Torres Strait Island Regional Council, the Queensland Government, and the Australian Government for current opportunities.

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