Climate Risk in Noosa, Tasmania

Noosa, Tasmania
Medium Risk
Updated Apr 2026

Noosa, Tasmania faces increasing risks from climate change. The primary concerns are coastal erosion, bushfires, and more frequent heatwaves. Residents should prepare for these challenges and take steps to mitigate their impact.

Overall Risk Score

52/100
Medium

Confidence: Medium

Hazard Breakdown

Flood
4.5
Bushfire
6.0
Heat
4.0
Coastal
6.3

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Noosa

increasing

Flood

45/100

Flooding can occur from heavy rainfall events, potentially impacting low-lying areas and properties near waterways.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
stable

Bushfire

60/100

Bushfire risk is elevated due to the proximity of bushland and dry conditions during summer months.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·High temperatures
increasing

Heat

40/100

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
increasing

Coastal

63/100

Coastal erosion and inundation are increasing due to sea level rise, threatening coastal properties and infrastructure.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
stable

Wind

39/100

Notable wind risk — westerly wind storms

stable

Storm

28/100

Moderate storm risk — occasional severe weather

stable

Social

14/100

Lower social stability — regional isolation

increasing

Energy

32/100

Moderate energy costs — winter heating

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Noosa

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

40/100

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Rising global temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

4.5

2050

5.0

Data source

flood Risk

45/100

Flooding can occur from heavy rainfall events, potentially impacting low-lying areas and properties near waterways.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

5.0

2050

5.5

Data source

coastal Risk

63/100

Coastal erosion and inundation are increasing due to sea level rise, threatening coastal properties and infrastructure.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.8

2050

7.3

Data source

bushfire Risk

60/100

Bushfire risk is elevated due to the proximity of bushland and dry conditions during summer months.

Primary Drivers

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

Projections (RCP8.5)

2030

6.2

2050

6.5

Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to climate-related risks.

Price Impact

Property values in coastal areas may be negatively impacted by sea level rise.

Buyer Checklist

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

Local Climate Evidence

Flood Evidence

Nearest Waterway
Prosser River
Elevation Range
5-20 meters
Flood Zone
Low-lying areas near the Prosser River

Historical flood data indicates potential for inundation during heavy rainfall events.

View council flood map

Bushfire Evidence

Distance to Bushland
Adjacent to state forest
Planning Overlay
Bushfire-prone area overlay
Bushfire Prone Area
Yes

The area is designated as bushfire-prone due to the proximity of dense vegetation.

Heat Evidence

Avg January Max Temp
25°C
Heat Stress Days/Year
2 days

Average maximum temperatures in January are increasing, leading to more frequent heat stress events.

Coastal Evidence

Distance to Coast
1.5 km
Sea Level Rise Exposure
Moderate exposure to sea level rise
Erosion Risk
Moderate erosion risk

Historical Climate Events

2013
floodModerate

Heavy rainfall caused flooding in low-lying areas near the Prosser River.

Source
2019
bushfireModerate

Bushfires impacted areas near Noosa, leading to evacuations and property damage.

Source
2020
heatwaveModerate

A prolonged heatwave resulted in heat stress and health concerns for vulnerable populations.

Source
2022
coastalMinor

Storm surge caused minor coastal erosion and inundation.

Source

Climate Outlook to 2050

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

HazardToday20302050
flood454.8(+0.3)5.1(+0.6)
bushfire606.2(+0.2)6.4(+0.4)
heat404.4(+0.4)4.8(+0.8)
coastal636.9(+0.6)7.3(+1.0)

Climate projections indicate an increase in overall risk by 2030, with coastal hazards and heatwaves posing the greatest challenges.

CSIRO Climate Projections

Adaptation Recommendations

Coastal Protection Measures

Near-term

Invest in seawalls, beach nourishment, and other coastal protection measures to mitigate erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Bushfire Mitigation Strategies

Immediate

Implement bushfire mitigation strategies, such as fuel reduction burns and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Heatwave Preparedness Plans

Near-term

Develop and implement heatwave preparedness plans to protect vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Flood Management Strategies

Long-term

Improve drainage infrastructure and implement flood management strategies to reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Noosa's Climate Risk Profile

Noosa, Tasmania is vulnerable to a range of climate change impacts. Rising sea levels are causing increased coastal erosion and inundation, threatening properties and infrastructure along the coastline. Bushfire risk is also a significant concern, particularly during the dry summer months.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Changes in rainfall patterns may also lead to increased flooding events, impacting low-lying areas and properties near waterways.

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, including investments in coastal protection measures, bushfire mitigation strategies, and heatwave preparedness plans. Community engagement and education are also crucial to ensure that residents are aware of the risks and take appropriate action to protect themselves and their properties.

Long-term planning is essential to adapt to the changing climate and build a more resilient community. This includes incorporating climate change considerations into land-use planning, infrastructure development, and emergency management strategies. By working together, the community can mitigate the impacts of climate change and create a sustainable future for Noosa.

Data sources: BOM · CSIRO · SES Tasmania · DPIPWE Tasmania

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Noosa?

The main climate change risks in Noosa include coastal erosion, bushfires, heatwaves, and flooding.

How is sea level rise affecting Noosa?

Sea level rise is causing increased coastal erosion and inundation, threatening properties and infrastructure along the coastline.

What can I do to prepare for bushfires in Noosa?

You can prepare for bushfires by clearing vegetation around your property, having a bushfire survival plan, and staying informed about fire danger ratings.

How can I protect myself during a heatwave in Noosa?

During a heatwave, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity, and seek shelter in air-conditioned buildings.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Noosa?

You can find information about flood risks on the SES Tasmania website and the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council website.

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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