Climate Risk Profile: Douglas, QLD
Douglas, Queensland, faces moderate climate risks, primarily related to flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's proximity to the Ross River increases its vulnerability to flooding, while rising temperatures pose a threat to residents during summer. While coastal risks are minimal, bushfire risk is present but relatively low.
Is Douglas Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Douglas, 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 Douglas
Flood
Douglas is located near the Ross River, making it susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Proximity to Ross River
Bushfire
While not immediately adjacent to dense bushland, Douglas has some exposure to bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter and drier conditions associated with climate change can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Douglas experiences high temperatures during the summer months. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
Douglas is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. The risk from coastal hazards is considered very low.
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 Douglas
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
Douglas experiences high temperatures during the summer months. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Douglas is located near the Ross River, making it susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Proximity to Ross River
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Douglas is located inland and is not directly exposed to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion. The risk from coastal hazards is considered very low.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from the coast
bushfire Risk
While not immediately adjacent to dense bushland, Douglas has some exposure to bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter and drier conditions associated with climate change can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Vegetation density
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to flood risk.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Inquire about council's climate adaptation plans.
- 4.Review insurance options and premiums.
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 mitigate flood risk, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop Heat Action Plan
ImmediateImplement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Long-termImplement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation management and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreUpgrade Infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade critical infrastructure to withstand extreme weather events, including power grids and transportation networks.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout Douglas's Climate Risk Profile
Douglas is a suburb of Townsville, Queensland, located inland from the coast. The primary climate-related risks for Douglas are flooding and heatwaves. The suburb's location near the Ross River makes it susceptible to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall. Climate change is expected to increase the intensity of rainfall events, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flooding.
Rising temperatures and more frequent heatwaves pose a significant threat to the health and well-being of Douglas residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban environment can exacerbate the effects of heatwaves due to the urban heat island effect.
While Douglas is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the risk of bushfires is present due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter and drier conditions associated with climate change can increase the likelihood of bushfires, although the risk is lower compared to other hazards.
Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of adaptation and mitigation strategies, including improved flood management infrastructure, heatwave preparedness plans, and measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
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
Townsville City Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Douglas?
The main climate change risks in Douglas are flooding due to its proximity to the Ross River and increased heatwave frequency and intensity.
How is the Townsville City Council addressing climate change?
The Townsville City Council has implemented various initiatives to address climate change, including developing a climate strategy and investing in flood mitigation infrastructure.
What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves in Douglas?
Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors.
Is Douglas at risk from rising sea levels?
Douglas is located inland and is not directly at risk from rising sea levels.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Douglas?
Information about flood risks in Douglas can be found on the Townsville City Council website and through Queensland emergency services.
Get your property's risk report
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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