Climate Risk Assessment for Manunda, QLD

Manunda, Queensland· Cairns· 4870
Updated Mar 2026

Manunda is a suburb in Cairns, Queensland, that faces several climate-related risks. The most significant risks are flooding and heatwaves, with coastal hazards also being a concern. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades.

Is Manunda Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Manunda, Queensland, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

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Overall Risk Score

Address-level

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 Manunda

Flood

Manunda faces a notable risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise

Bushfire

Bushfire risk in Manunda is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to nearby vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions

Heat

Manunda experiences high temperatures and humidity, making it vulnerable to heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Key drivers:

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect

Coastal

Located near the coast, Manunda is susceptible to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges. These risks are expected to worsen with climate change.

Key drivers:

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge

Wind

Data being compiled

Storm

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Social

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Energy

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In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Manunda

Detailed Hazard Analysis

heat Risk

Manunda experiences high temperatures and humidity, making it vulnerable to heatwaves. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Urban heat island effect
  • ·High humidity
Data source

flood Risk

Manunda faces a notable risk of flooding due to its low-lying areas and proximity to waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, exacerbating flood risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased rainfall intensity
  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Urban development
Data source

coastal Risk

Located near the coast, Manunda is susceptible to coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges. These risks are expected to worsen with climate change.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Sea level rise
  • ·Storm surge
  • ·Coastal erosion
Data source

bushfire Risk

Bushfire risk in Manunda is relatively low compared to other regions, but still present due to nearby vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk.

Primary Drivers

  • ·Increased temperatures
  • ·Drier conditions
  • ·Vegetation dryness
Data source

What This Means for Property Owners

Insurance Outlook

Insurance premiums may increase due to flood and coastal risks.

Price Impact

Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price stagnation or decline.

Buyer Checklist

  • 1.Check flood maps and insurance costs.
  • 2.Assess property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
  • 3.Consider potential impacts of sea level rise.
  • 4.Review council's climate adaptation plans.

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-term

Invest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as improved drainage systems and flood barriers.

Est. cost: High

Learn more

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

Strengthen Coastal Protection

Long-term

Implement measures to protect coastal areas from sea level rise and storm surges, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.

Est. cost: Very High

Learn more

Enhance Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Implement bushfire mitigation strategies, such as vegetation management and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Learn more

About Manunda's Climate Risk Profile

Manunda, located in Cairns, Queensland, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying geography and proximity to waterways make it particularly susceptible to flooding, which is projected to worsen with increased rainfall intensity.

Heatwaves are another significant concern for Manunda. The region already experiences high temperatures and humidity, and climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing risks to public health and infrastructure.

Coastal hazards, such as sea level rise and storm surges, also pose a threat to Manunda. These risks are expected to increase as the climate changes, potentially impacting coastal properties and infrastructure.

While bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other regions, it is still a concern due to nearby vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures could increase the risk of bushfires in the future. Addressing these climate risks requires proactive adaptation measures and community resilience building.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main climate change risks in Manunda?

The main climate change risks in Manunda are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges. Bushfire risk is also a concern, though relatively lower compared to other regions.

How is the Cairns Regional Council addressing climate change?

The Cairns Regional Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to address the impacts of climate change, including measures to mitigate flood risk and protect coastal areas.

What can residents do to prepare for heatwaves in Manunda?

Residents can prepare for heatwaves by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors. The council may also provide cooling centers during extreme heat events.

Where can I find information about flood risks in Manunda?

Information about flood risks in Manunda can be found on the Cairns Regional Council website, including flood maps and information about flood preparedness.

Are there any community initiatives to address climate change in Manunda?

Yes, there are various community initiatives focused on sustainability and climate action in the Cairns region. Check with local community groups and the Cairns Regional Council 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 Manunda, use our analysis tool.

Check Your flood Risk Now

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What A$49 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

Climate Risk in Manunda, QLD | ClimateNest