Climate Risk Profile: Atherton, QLD
Atherton faces increasing risks from flooding and heatwaves due to climate change. Bushfire risk is also a concern. Coastal risks are minimal due to its inland location.
Is Atherton Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Atherton, Queensland, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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Overall Risk Score
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 Atherton
Flood
Atherton is located near several waterways and experiences moderate rainfall, increasing its flood risk. Climate change is expected to intensify rainfall events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Proximity to waterways
Bushfire
Atherton has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase this risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Atherton experiences high temperatures, particularly in summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Atherton is located inland and has a low coastal risk. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.
Key drivers:
- ·Distance from the coast
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Atherton
Property buying guide with climate risk assessment
Flood zone mapping, historical events, and projections
BAL assessment, vegetation proximity, and fire history
Multi-hazard safety assessment to 2050
Severe weather, hail, and wind risk analysis
Extreme heat days, urban heat island, and cooling costs
Premium estimates and insurance availability
Climate-adjusted property investment analysis
Detailed Hazard Analysis
heat Risk
Atherton experiences high temperatures, particularly in summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Atherton is located near several waterways and experiences moderate rainfall, increasing its flood risk. Climate change is expected to intensify rainfall events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Proximity to waterways
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Atherton is located inland and has a low coastal risk. Sea level rise and coastal erosion are not significant concerns for this suburb.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from the coast
bushfire Risk
Atherton has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Vegetation density
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and bushfire risks.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk and vegetation management.
- 3.Consider energy efficiency and cooling options.
- 4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related events.
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 Flood Defenses
Near-termUpgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood-resistant building codes to reduce flood damage.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreBushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement vegetation management programs, create firebreaks, and educate residents about bushfire safety.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreHeatwave Action Plan
ImmediateDevelop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreWater Conservation
Long-termPromote water conservation measures to address potential water scarcity due to climate change.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreClimate Resilient Infrastructure
Long-termInvest in infrastructure that is resilient to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events and rising temperatures.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout Atherton's Climate Risk Profile
Atherton, Queensland, is facing increasing climate-related challenges. The primary concerns are rising temperatures, increased rainfall intensity leading to flooding, and a heightened risk of bushfires. While the suburb is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader regional impacts of climate change will still be felt.
Flooding is a significant concern for Atherton due to its proximity to waterways and the projected increase in heavy rainfall events. The local council is working to manage flood risks through improved drainage and land-use planning. Residents should be aware of flood warnings and take necessary precautions.
Bushfire risk is also increasing due to drier conditions and higher temperatures. Maintaining vegetation around properties and adhering to fire safety guidelines are crucial for mitigating this risk. The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) provides resources and support for bushfire preparedness.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. Staying hydrated, seeking cooler environments, and checking on neighbors are important strategies for coping with extreme heat. The local council is implementing measures to reduce the urban heat island effect.
Overall, Atherton needs to proactively adapt to the changing climate to protect its community and infrastructure. This includes investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable land management practices, and raising awareness about climate risks.
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
Tablelands Regional Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Atherton?
The main climate change risks in Atherton are increased flooding, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a higher risk of bushfires.
How is the local council addressing climate change?
The Tablelands Regional Council is working to manage flood risks, promote sustainable land management practices, and implement measures to reduce the urban heat island effect.
What can residents do to prepare for climate change impacts?
Residents can prepare by checking flood maps, assessing bushfire risk, considering energy efficiency, and reviewing insurance coverage.
Where can I find information about emergency services in Atherton?
Information about emergency services can be found on the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) website.
Are there any cooling centers in Atherton during heatwaves?
The Tablelands Regional Council may establish cooling centers during heatwaves. Check the council website for updates.
How will climate change affect property values in Atherton?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions. Overall, climate change impacts could affect property values.
Get your property's risk report
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What A$49 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections