Climate Risk Profile: Coolangatta, QLD
Coolangatta faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. Sea-level rise and increased rainfall intensity are key drivers of these risks. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events and take steps to protect their properties.
Is Coolangatta Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Coolangatta, 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 Coolangatta
Flood
Coolangatta faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its coastal location and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea-level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Coolangatta is relatively low due to its urban development and coastal location. However, nearby bushland areas pose a potential threat during dry periods.
Key drivers:
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
Heat
Coolangatta experiences high temperatures during summer, and the risk of heatwaves is increasing. Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense heat events.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Coolangatta is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea-level rise. The coastline is exposed to storm surges and wave action, which can damage infrastructure and property.
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 Coolangatta
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
Coolangatta experiences high temperatures during summer, and the risk of heatwaves is increasing. Climate change is expected to lead to more frequent and intense heat events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Coolangatta faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its coastal location and low-lying areas. Increased rainfall intensity and sea-level rise are expected to exacerbate this risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Coastal proximity
coastal Risk
Coolangatta is highly vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea-level rise. The coastline is exposed to storm surges and wave action, which can damage infrastructure and property.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Coolangatta is relatively low due to its urban development and coastal location. However, nearby bushland areas pose a potential threat during dry periods.
Primary Drivers
- ·Proximity to bushland
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Wind patterns
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 insurance costs.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
- 3.Consider the potential impact of heatwaves on comfort and energy costs.
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
ImmediateUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImplement Coastal Protection Measures
Near-termConstruct seawalls and implement beach nourishment programs to protect against coastal erosion.
Est. cost: Very High
Learn moreDevelop Heat Action Plans
ImmediateCreate heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreRaise Awareness of Climate Risks
Long-termEducate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Coolangatta's Climate Risk Profile
Coolangatta, located on the southern end of the Gold Coast, is a popular tourist destination known for its beaches and surfing. However, the suburb is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Flooding is a significant concern due to the suburb's low-lying coastal areas. Sea-level rise and increased rainfall intensity are expected to exacerbate the risk of inundation, potentially damaging properties and infrastructure. The local council is working to improve drainage systems and implement coastal protection measures.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a health risk to vulnerable populations. Rising average temperatures and the urban heat island effect contribute to this hazard. Residents should take precautions during hot weather, such as staying hydrated and seeking air-conditioned environments.
Coastal erosion is another major threat, with sea-level rise and storm surges causing damage to beaches and foreshores. The coastline is constantly changing, and efforts are underway to protect vulnerable areas. These efforts include beach nourishment and the construction of seawalls.
Bushfire risk is relatively low compared to other parts of Queensland, but nearby bushland areas pose a potential threat during dry periods. Residents should maintain their properties and be aware of fire safety guidelines.
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
City of Gold Coast
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Coolangatta?
The main climate change risks in Coolangatta are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to sea-level rise, increased rainfall intensity, and rising temperatures.
How is the local council addressing climate change?
The City of Gold Coast is implementing various measures to address climate change, including upgrading drainage infrastructure, implementing coastal protection measures, and developing heat action plans.
What can residents do to prepare for climate change?
Residents can take steps to protect their properties from flooding and coastal erosion, stay informed about heatwave warnings, and conserve water and energy.
Will insurance premiums increase in Coolangatta due to climate change?
Yes, insurance premiums are likely to increase in Coolangatta due to the increasing risks of flooding, heatwaves, and coastal erosion.
Where can I find more information about climate change in Coolangatta?
You can find more information about climate change in Coolangatta on the City of Gold Coast website, the Queensland Government website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.
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What A$49 could save you from
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Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections