Climate Risk in Charters Towers, QLD
Charters Towers faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly in relation to flooding and heat. The town is not exposed to coastal hazards.
Is Charters Towers Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Charters Towers, 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 Charters Towers
Flood
Charters Towers faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near the Burdekin River and other waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
The area around Charters Towers has a moderate bushfire risk, particularly during the dry season. Grasslands and bushland surrounding the town are susceptible to fire.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry climate
- ·Fuel load
Heat
Charters Towers experiences high temperatures, especially during summer. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Charters Towers is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Key drivers:
- ·Distance from coast
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Charters Towers
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
Charters Towers experiences high temperatures, especially during summer. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Charters Towers faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location near the Burdekin River and other waterways. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
coastal Risk
Charters Towers is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from coast
bushfire Risk
The area around Charters Towers has a moderate bushfire risk, particularly during the dry season. Grasslands and bushland surrounding the town are susceptible to fire.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry climate
- ·Fuel load
- ·Ignition sources
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased flood and heatwave risk.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
- 3.Consider energy efficiency and cooling options for heatwaves.
- 4.Review insurance coverage for climate-related risks.
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-termInvest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Management
Near-termImplement bushfire mitigation measures, such as controlled burns and vegetation management, to reduce the risk of bushfires.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop Heatwave Preparedness Plans
ImmediateDevelop and implement heatwave preparedness plans to protect vulnerable populations during periods of extreme heat.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Long-termEncourage water conservation measures to reduce water stress during periods of drought and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreUpgrade Building Codes
Long-termUpdate building codes to ensure new buildings are more resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Charters Towers's Climate Risk Profile
Charters Towers, located inland in Queensland, is primarily at risk from flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. The town's proximity to the Burdekin River and other waterways makes it susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding.
Bushfire risk is also a concern, particularly during the dry season when grasslands and bushland surrounding the town become highly flammable. While not as immediate a threat as flooding, bushfires can pose a significant risk to property and human life.
Heatwaves are another significant hazard, with Charters Towers experiencing high temperatures during the summer months. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a particular risk to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
While Charters Towers is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader impacts of climate change, such as disruptions to supply chains and increased migration, could indirectly affect the town. Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of mitigation and adaptation strategies, including improved flood defenses, bushfire management, and heatwave preparedness.
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
Charters Towers Regional Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks facing Charters Towers?
The main climate risks facing Charters Towers are flooding, bushfires, and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks.
How is the council preparing for climate change?
The Charters Towers Regional Council is developing and implementing strategies to address climate change, including improving flood defenses and promoting water conservation.
What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves?
Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Charters Towers?
Information about flood risks in Charters Towers can be found on the Charters Towers Regional Council website and the Queensland Government website.
How can I protect my property from bushfires?
You can protect your property from bushfires by clearing vegetation around your home, maintaining your property, and having a bushfire survival plan.
Are insurance premiums likely to increase due to climate change?
Yes, insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased flood and heatwave risk.
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 Charters Towers, use our analysis tool.
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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