Climate Risk Assessment for Noosa, SA

Noosa, South Australia
Medium Risk
Updated Mar 2026

Noosa, SA, faces moderate climate risks, primarily from bushfires and heatwaves. Flooding is a secondary concern. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.0
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
5.0
Coastal
1.0

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Noosa

increasing

Flood

40/100

Flooding may pose a risk to properties in low-lying areas, particularly after heavy rainfall events. Consider local flood history and drainage infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
stable

Bushfire

60/100

The area is potentially susceptible to bushfires, especially during dry periods. Proximity to bushland increases the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

50/100

Increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves could impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urban heat island effect
stable

Coastal

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Wind

28/100

Moderate wind risk — gusty northerly winds

stable

Storm

24/100

Moderate storm risk — occasional thunderstorms

stable

Social

21/100

Moderate social stability

increasing

Energy

35/100

Moderate energy costs — summer cooling

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Noosa

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

50/100

Increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves could impact vulnerable populations and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Global warming
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.5

2050

6.0

Data source

flood Risk

40/100

Flooding may pose a risk to properties in low-lying areas, particularly after heavy rainfall events. Consider local flood history and drainage infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Urban development
  • ·Inadequate drainage

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

coastal Risk

10/100

Coastal risks are minimal due to the suburb's inland location.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

1.0

2050

1.0

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

The area is potentially susceptible to bushfires, especially during dry periods. Proximity to bushland increases the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
  • ·Strong winds

Projections (RCP4.5)

2030

6.0

2050

6.0

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Premiums may increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Potential for moderate price impact in high-risk areas.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps
  • 2.Assess bushfire risk
  • 3.Consider heatwave resilience
  • 4.Review insurance options

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Local creeks and drainage systems
Elevation Range
Variable, low-lying areas present
Flood Zone
Potentially within flood zones

Check local council flood maps for specific property risks.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Variable, some properties adjacent to bushland
Planning Overlay
Check with SA CFS for bushfire overlay maps
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

Maintain firebreaks and be prepared for bushfire season.

Heat Evidence

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

Take precautions during heatwaves, stay hydrated, and seek cool environments.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
50 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Minimal direct exposure
Erosion Risk
Negligible

Historical Climate Events

2013
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted the region, causing property damage and evacuations.

Source
2016
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall led to localized flooding in low-lying areas.

Source
2019
heatwaveModerate

Prolonged heatwave conditions affected the region, straining infrastructure and causing health concerns.

Source
2022
floodMinor

Minor flooding occurred after a period of heavy rainfall.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood404.3(+0.3)4.6(+0.6)
bushfire606.4(+0.4)6.7(+0.7)
heat505.6(+0.6)6.5(+1.5)
coastal101.01.0

By 2030, Noosa is projected to experience a moderate increase in overall climate risk, with notable increases in heatwave intensity and bushfire frequency. Flooding risk will also increase slightly.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Develop a community heatwave plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and outreach programs.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Improve drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to mitigate the impact of increased rainfall intensity and flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Implement bushfire mitigation measures

Immediate

Clear vegetation around properties, maintain firebreaks, and develop evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage water-saving practices to address potential water scarcity due to climate change.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

About Noosa's Climate Risk Profile

Noosa, South Australia, is subject to a range of climate-related risks that are projected to intensify in the coming decades. The primary concerns for this area are bushfires and heatwaves, with flooding also posing a potential threat.

Bushfire risk is elevated due to the presence of dry vegetation and prevailing weather conditions, particularly during the summer months. Rising temperatures and prolonged dry spells exacerbate this risk, increasing the likelihood of fire ignition and spread. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and maintain their properties accordingly.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a significant health risk to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Infrastructure may also be affected by extreme heat, leading to disruptions in essential services.

Flooding is a concern in low-lying areas, especially after periods of heavy rainfall. Adequate drainage infrastructure is crucial to mitigate the impact of flooding events. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding.

While coastal risks are minimal due to Noosa's inland location, the broader region may experience coastal erosion and sea-level rise, indirectly impacting the suburb through economic and social disruptions.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SA CFS · SA Department for Environment and Water

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks for Noosa, SA?

The main risks are increasing heatwaves, bushfire risk, and potential flooding due to more intense rainfall events.

How will climate change affect property values in Noosa?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience a moderate price impact. It's important to assess individual property risks.

What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Noosa?

Stay hydrated, seek cool environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Consider installing air conditioning or fans.

How can I protect my property from bushfires in Noosa?

Clear vegetation around your property, maintain firebreaks, and have a bushfire survival plan. Stay informed about fire danger ratings.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Noosa?

Check the local council flood maps and consult with your insurance provider. Ensure your property has adequate drainage.

Get your property's risk report

This suburb assessment covers the area. For a precise address-level climate risk report for any specific property in Noosa, use our analysis tool.

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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