Climate Risk Assessment for Macleay Island, NSW

Macleay Island, New South Wales
Updated Mar 2026

Macleay Island faces a moderate climate risk, primarily from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. The island's low-lying geography makes it particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and storm surges. Residents should prepare for increasing climate impacts in the coming decades.

Is Macleay Island Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Macleay Island, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 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$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

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Overall Risk Score

Address-level

Hazard Breakdown

Flood, bushfire, heat, coastal and storm exposure are all assessed in this area. The score that matters is the property's own: a ClimateNest report scores the address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.

Climate Hazard Breakdown for Macleay Island

Flood

Macleay Island faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity

Bushfire

The risk of bushfires on Macleay Island is moderate, influenced by dry vegetation and prevailing winds during the fire season.

Key drivers:

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Prevailing winds

Heat

Macleay Island is experiencing increasing heatwaves and higher average temperatures, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Key drivers:

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Macleay Island is exposed to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

Data being compiled

Social

Data being compiled

Energy

Data being compiled

In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Macleay Island

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Macleay Island is experiencing increasing heatwaves and higher average temperatures, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Climate change
  • ·Urban heat island effect
Data source

flood Risk

Macleay Island faces a moderate risk of flooding, primarily from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Storm surges
Data source

coastal Risk

Macleay Island is exposed to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surges
  • ·Erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

The risk of bushfires on Macleay Island is moderate, influenced by dry vegetation and prevailing winds during the fire season.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Dry vegetation
  • ·Prevailing winds
  • ·Climate change
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to climate risks.

Price Impact

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and coastal erosion risk assessments.
  • 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves and bushfires.
  • 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
  • 4.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property value.

How the region's climate is projected to change

Regional projections, not a forecast for this street. Figures are from the WA Department of Water and Environmental Regulation's climate projections for the South Western Flatlands region, which draws on CSIRO and Bureau of Meteorology modelling.

Temperature

+0.5 to 1.1°C by 2030

Above the 1986–2005 climate, on all emissions scenarios. By 2090, 1.2 to 2.0°C under intermediate emissions or 2.6 to 4.0°C under high emissions.

Rainfall

Winter rain down up to 15% by 2030

The South West has been drying since 1970, and the decline has been larger than anywhere else in Australia. Heavy rainfall events are projected to become more intense even as totals fall.

Fire weather

Harsher, magnitude uncertain

High confidence that fire weather becomes harsher, low confidence in the size of the change, because it depends heavily on summer rainfall.

Sea level

+0.12 m by 2030

At the Fremantle gauge, range 0.07 to 0.16 m. Very high confidence that sea levels continue to rise through the century.

Source: Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (WA), Western Australian climate projections: summary, September 2021, South Western Flatlands chapter. Read the projections →

Adaptation Recommendations

Improve drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding from heavy rainfall.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Protect coastal ecosystems

Near-term

Preserve and restore mangroves and other coastal vegetation to provide natural protection against erosion and storm surges.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Develop a heatwave management plan

Immediate

Implement strategies to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, such as establishing cooling centers and providing public health information.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Raise awareness of climate risks

Long-term

Educate the community about the impacts of climate change and encourage proactive adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Learn more

Strengthen building codes

Long-term

Update building codes to ensure that new construction is resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Macleay Island's Climate Risk Profile

Macleay Island, located in Moreton Bay, is susceptible to a range of climate-related risks. The island's low elevation and coastal location make it vulnerable to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Sea level rise is expected to exacerbate these risks, leading to increased coastal erosion and inundation.

Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a threat to the health of residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions. Bushfire risk is also present, particularly during dry periods with strong winds. Changes in rainfall patterns could further impact the island's ecosystems and water resources.

The community needs to adapt to these changing conditions by implementing measures to reduce flood risk, improve heat resilience, and manage bushfire hazards. Protecting natural coastal defenses, such as mangroves and wetlands, can help mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and storm surges.

Sustainable development practices are essential to ensure the long-term viability of Macleay Island. This includes careful planning of new developments, promoting water conservation, and investing in renewable energy sources. Community engagement and education are crucial to raise awareness of climate risks and encourage proactive adaptation measures.

Suburb pages describe the local picture. The address-level assessment, with its data sources and its dollar projections, is in the ClimateNest report.

Local Government Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate risks facing Macleay Island?

Macleay Island is primarily at risk from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion due to sea level rise and storm surges.

How will climate change affect property values on Macleay Island?

Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions due to increased flooding and coastal erosion risks. Insurance premiums are also likely to increase.

What can I do to protect my home from flooding?

Consider raising the foundation of your home, installing flood barriers, and improving drainage around your property.

How can I prepare for heatwaves on Macleay Island?

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors. Consider installing air conditioning or visiting a cooling center.

What is the council doing to address climate change on Macleay Island?

Redland City Council is implementing a range of measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change, including improving drainage infrastructure and protecting coastal ecosystems.

Where can I find more information about climate change projections for Macleay Island?

The Climate Change in Australia website provides detailed climate projections for regions across Australia, including Macleay Island.

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 Macleay Island, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

Check Macleay Island's specific flood risk and see how it compares to nearby suburbs. Enter your address for an instant risk assessment.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 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$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

Climate Risk Assessment for Macleay Island, NSW | ClimateNest