Climate Risk in Torquay, QLD

Torquay, Queensland

Medium Risk

Updated Mar 2026

Torquay, Queensland, faces increasing climate risks, particularly from heatwaves and flooding. The suburb's coastal location also makes it vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.

Overall Risk Score

58/100

Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood

6.5

Bushfire

4.2

Heat

7.1

Coastal

5.4

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Torquay

increasing

Flood

65/100

Torquay faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Key drivers:

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Sea level rise

increasing

Bushfire

42/100

Bushfire risk in Torquay is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key drivers:

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions

increasing

Heat

71/100

Torquay experiences high heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This poses a threat to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
·Urban heat island effect

increasing

Coastal

54/100

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

Key drivers:

·Sea level rise
·Storm surge

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 Torquay

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

71/100

Torquay experiences high heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This poses a threat to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.6

2050

8.1

Data source

flood Risk

65/100

Torquay faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.

Primary Drivers

·Increased rainfall intensity
·Sea level rise
·Urban development

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

7.0

2050

7.5

Data source

coastal Risk

54/100

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

Primary Drivers

·Sea level rise
·Storm surge
·Coastal erosion

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.9

2050

6.4

Data source

bushfire Risk

42/100

Bushfire risk in Torquay is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Primary Drivers

·Increased temperatures
·Drier conditions
·Vegetation dryness

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.7

2050

5.2

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to climate risks.

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 elevation and proximity to waterways.
3.Inquire about past flood or bushfire events.
4.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise on coastal properties.
5.Review insurance options and premiums.

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway: Torquay Canal
Elevation Range: 0-10 meters
Flood Zone: Areas near the Torquay Canal are prone to flooding.

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland: Some properties border bushland reserves.
Planning Overlay: Refer to the Queensland Bushfire Prone Area Map.
Bushfire Prone Area: Yes

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp: 30.5°C
Heat Stress Days/Year: 5 days

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast: 0.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure: Low-lying areas are vulnerable to sea level rise.
Erosion Risk: Some coastal areas are experiencing erosion.

Historical Climate Events

2013

floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flash flooding in Torquay, impacting some residential areas.

Source

2018

heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave affected Torquay, with temperatures exceeding 35°C for several days.

Source

2022

coastalMinor

King tides caused minor coastal inundation in low-lying areas of Torquay.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

Hazard	Today	2030	2050
flood	65	6.7(+0.2)	7.3(+0.8)
bushfire	42	4.3(+0.1)	4.7(+0.5)
heat	71	7.5(+0.4)	8.6(+1.5)
coastal	54	5.6(+0.2)	6.1(+0.7)

Under a moderate emissions scenario, Torquay is projected to experience a slight increase in overall climate risk, with heat and flood risks increasing the most.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing of buildings.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Coastal Protection

Long-term

Implement measures to protect against coastal erosion and sea level rise, such as beach nourishment, seawalls, and managed retreat.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Improve bushfire preparedness through vegetation management, community education, and early warning systems.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Torquay's Climate Risk Profile

Torquay, located in Queensland, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures are leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a significant risk to public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Flooding is another major concern for Torquay. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels are exacerbating the risk of both flash flooding and riverine flooding. Low-lying areas are particularly susceptible, and infrastructure may be damaged by floodwaters.

The suburb's coastal location also exposes it to the threats of sea level rise and coastal erosion. These hazards can damage property, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems, and may eventually lead to displacement of residents.

Bushfire risk is also present, although somewhat less severe than other hazards. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires, particularly in areas bordering bushland. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have a plan in place in case of an emergency.

Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures. Mitigation efforts should focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation measures should focus on preparing for the impacts of climate change that are already locked in.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · Queensland Government · Fraser Coast Regional Council

Local Government Resources

Fraser Coast Regional Council

Climate Strategy Flood Maps Emergency Services

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Torquay?

The main climate change risks in Torquay are heatwaves, flooding, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.

How is the local council addressing climate change?

The Fraser Coast Regional Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including improving flood defenses and promoting sustainable development.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Torquay?

During heatwaves, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Torquay?

You can find information about flood risks on the Fraser Coast Regional Council website, including flood maps and emergency preparedness guides.

Are there any community groups working on climate change in Torquay?

Yes, there are several community groups in the Fraser Coast region that are working on climate change issues, such as promoting sustainable living and advocating for climate action.