Climate Risk Profile: Idalia, QLD
Idalia is a suburb of Townsville, Queensland, that faces moderate climate risks, primarily from flooding and heatwaves. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, potentially impacting property values and community well-being. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is Idalia Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Idalia, 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.
What the mapping shows for Idalia
Part of Idalia is mapped as subject to coastal inundation.
4.2% of Idalia is mapped as part of the Queensland coastal management district (coastal management district declared under the Coastal Management Act 2016)
Queensland Coastal Management District, State of Queensland (Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation), Creative Commons Attribution 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-23
This is a share of the suburb's land area from a published state dataset, not an assessment of any property. A ClimateNest report scores the individual address across eight hazards, with insurance and value projections to 2050.
Check an address in Idalia →Climate Hazard Breakdown for Idalia
Flood
Idalia faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Ross River and other waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flood events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Proximity to waterways
Bushfire
The risk of bushfire in Idalia is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hotter and drier conditions due to climate change may increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Idalia experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Idalia is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.
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 Idalia
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
Idalia experiences high temperatures, particularly during the summer months. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
- ·Climate change
flood Risk
Idalia faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to the Ross River and other waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, potentially leading to more frequent and severe flood events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Proximity to waterways
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Idalia is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from the coast
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Idalia is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Hotter and drier conditions due to climate change may increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Proximity to bushland
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased flood and heatwave risks.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider the long-term impacts of climate change on property values.
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 protect against flooding, such as levees, drainage systems, and flood-proofing of buildings.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a Heatwave Management Plan
ImmediateImplement a heatwave management plan to protect vulnerable populations, including early warning systems, cooling centers, and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement measures to reduce the risk of bushfires, such as clearing vegetation around homes, creating firebreaks, and educating residents about bushfire safety.
Est. cost: Low
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Long-termEncourage water conservation to reduce the strain on water resources during periods of drought and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Idalia's Climate Risk Profile
Idalia, located in the Townsville region of Queensland, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary risks include flooding due to its proximity to the Ross River, and heatwaves during the summer months. These risks are projected to intensify in the coming decades, potentially affecting property values, infrastructure, and the health of residents.
Flooding is a significant concern for Idalia. Increased rainfall intensity, driven by climate change, could lead to more frequent and severe flood events. This poses a threat to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Residents should be aware of flood risks and take appropriate precautions.
Heatwaves are another major concern. Townsville already experiences high temperatures, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This can lead to heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with chronic health conditions.
While Idalia is located inland, the potential for indirect impacts from coastal hazards, such as disruptions to supply chains and infrastructure, should also be considered. It is important for residents and businesses to stay informed about climate risks and take steps to adapt to the changing climate.
Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from all levels of government, as well as the community. This includes investing in infrastructure improvements, implementing adaptation measures, and reducing 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 Idalia?
The main climate change risks in Idalia are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. These risks are projected to increase in the coming decades, potentially impacting property values, infrastructure, and the health of residents.
How will climate change affect property values in Idalia?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value. Increased insurance premiums and the cost of adaptation measures may also affect property values.
What can I do to protect my home from flooding?
You can take several steps to protect your home from flooding, such as raising the foundation, installing flood barriers, and improving drainage. Check the Townsville City Council website for more information.
How can I prepare for a heatwave?
To prepare for a heatwave, stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek out air-conditioned environments. Check the Queensland Health website for more information.
What should I do if a bushfire threatens my home?
If a bushfire threatens your home, follow the instructions of emergency services. If you have time, clear vegetation around your home and prepare a bushfire survival kit. Check the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services website for more information.
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