Climate Risk in Harristown, QLD
Harristown is a suburb in Toowoomba, Queensland, that faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. While the coastal risk is negligible, residents should be aware of the potential impacts of heat and flooding.
Is Harristown Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Harristown, 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 Harristown
Flood
Harristown faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location within the Toowoomba region. Several waterways and historical flood events contribute to this risk. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
Bushfire
The bushfire risk in Harristown is relatively low compared to other regions in Queensland. While there are some areas of bushland nearby, the urban density and fire management practices help mitigate the risk. However, hotter and drier conditions due to climate change could increase the potential for bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Harristown experiences a high heat risk, particularly during the summer months. Increased temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are expected due to climate change, posing a threat to vulnerable populations. Urban areas tend to amplify the heat effect.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Coastal
As an inland suburb, Harristown has a very low risk associated with coastal hazards. Sea level rise and coastal erosion do not directly impact this area.
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 Harristown
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
Harristown experiences a high heat risk, particularly during the summer months. Increased temperatures and more frequent heatwaves are expected due to climate change, posing a threat to vulnerable populations. Urban areas tend to amplify the heat effect.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising average temperatures
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Harristown faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location within the Toowoomba region. Several waterways and historical flood events contribute to this risk. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially worsening flood events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
- ·Climate change
coastal Risk
As an inland suburb, Harristown has a very low risk associated with coastal hazards. Sea level rise and coastal erosion do not directly impact this area.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from the coast
bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Harristown is relatively low compared to other regions in Queensland. While there are some areas of bushland nearby, the urban density and fire management practices help mitigate the risk. However, hotter and drier conditions due to climate change could increase the potential for bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Vegetation dryness
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to the increased risk of flooding and extreme weather events.
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 the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Inquire about bushfire risk management measures.
- 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-termInvest in infrastructure improvements to mitigate flood risk, such as upgrading drainage systems and building flood levees.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImplement Heat Action Plans
ImmediateDevelop and implement heat action plans to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Long-termImplement bushfire risk reduction measures, such as vegetation management and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Near-termEncourage water conservation measures to reduce water stress during droughts and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Harristown's Climate Risk Profile
Harristown, located in the Toowoomba region of Queensland, is subject to a range of climate-related risks. The most significant of these is flooding, due to its location within a flood-prone area and the potential for increased rainfall intensity as a result of climate change. Historical flood events have impacted the region, and future events could pose a threat to property and infrastructure.
Heatwaves are another significant concern for Harristown. As temperatures rise, the risk of heat stress and heatstroke increases, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban environment can also amplify the effects of heat, creating urban heat islands.
Bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other parts of Queensland, but it is still a factor to consider, especially during dry periods. While Harristown is not directly on the coast, the impacts of climate change are still relevant, particularly in terms of extreme weather events.
Residents and property owners in Harristown should take steps to prepare for these risks, including developing emergency plans, maintaining their properties, and staying informed about weather forecasts and warnings. Local authorities are also working to mitigate the impacts of climate change through infrastructure improvements and community awareness programs.
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
Toowoomba Regional Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate risks in Harristown?
The main climate risks in Harristown are flooding, heatwaves, and to a lesser extent, bushfires. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of these events.
How will climate change affect property values in Harristown?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value due to the increased risk of flooding. Insurance premiums may also increase.
What is the local council doing to address climate change?
The Toowoomba Regional Council is implementing various strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change, including infrastructure improvements, community awareness programs, and emergency management planning.
How can I prepare for a heatwave in Harristown?
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.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Harristown?
The Toowoomba Regional Council provides flood maps and information on its website. You can also contact the council directly for more information.
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 Harristown, use our analysis tool.
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*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections