Climate Risk Assessment for Maryborough, QLD
Maryborough faces increasing risks from flooding, heatwaves, and coastal influences due to climate change. The town's location on the Mary River makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding, which is expected to worsen with increased rainfall intensity and sea level rise. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is Maryborough Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Maryborough, 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 Maryborough
Flood
Maryborough is located on the Mary River and has a history of flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, leading to a higher risk of riverine and flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise affecting river flow
Bushfire
While not immediately surrounded by dense bushland, Maryborough has some exposure to bushfire risk, particularly in areas with vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures due to climate change can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Maryborough experiences hot summers, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Located inland, Maryborough's coastal risk is primarily related to the Mary River's connection to the coast. Sea level rise can exacerbate flooding during storm surges and high tides, impacting low-lying areas along the river.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge intensity
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Maryborough
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
Maryborough experiences hot summers, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Maryborough is located on the Mary River and has a history of flooding. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of heavy rainfall events, leading to a higher risk of riverine and flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise affecting river flow
- ·Urban development increasing runoff
coastal Risk
Located inland, Maryborough's coastal risk is primarily related to the Mary River's connection to the coast. Sea level rise can exacerbate flooding during storm surges and high tides, impacting low-lying areas along the river.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm surge intensity
bushfire Risk
While not immediately surrounded by dense bushland, Maryborough has some exposure to bushfire risk, particularly in areas with vegetation. Drier conditions and higher temperatures due to climate change can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Changes in vegetation
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increased risk of flooding and other 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 elevation and drainage.
- 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
- 4.Consider the property's vulnerability to heatwaves and bushfires.
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
ImmediateInvest in flood levees, drainage improvements, and early warning systems to protect properties and infrastructure from flooding.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreEnhance Heatwave Preparedness
Near-termEstablish cooling centers, promote heat-safe practices, and ensure access to healthcare for vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreStrengthen Bushfire Resilience
Long-termImplement vegetation management programs, improve building codes for fire resistance, and educate residents on bushfire safety.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreProtect Riverbanks from Erosion
Long-termImplement erosion control measures along the Mary River to protect against sea level rise and storm surge impacts.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreCommunity Awareness Programs
Near-termEducate the community about climate change risks and adaptation strategies through workshops, information sessions, and online resources.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Maryborough's Climate Risk Profile
Maryborough, Queensland, is situated on the Mary River and has a history of significant flood events. Climate change is projected to exacerbate these risks, with more intense rainfall and rising sea levels increasing the likelihood of both riverine and flash flooding. The local council and residents need to be proactive in implementing adaptation measures to mitigate these impacts.
Bushfire risk is also a concern, although not as immediate as flooding. Drier conditions and higher temperatures can increase the flammability of vegetation, posing a threat to properties on the outskirts of town. Vigilance and proper land management are crucial for minimizing this risk.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a significant health risk, especially to vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. Ensuring access to cooling centers and promoting heat-safe practices are essential.
While Maryborough is not directly on the coast, its proximity to the Mary River means that sea level rise can impact the town through increased flooding during storm surges and high tides. Protecting riverbanks and implementing coastal management strategies are important for long-term resilience.
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
Fraser Coast Regional Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks facing Maryborough?
Maryborough is primarily at risk from increased flooding due to heavier rainfall and sea level rise, as well as more frequent and intense heatwaves. Bushfire risk is also a concern.
How will climate change affect property values in Maryborough?
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value, while insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increased risk of extreme weather events.
What is the council doing to address climate change risks in Maryborough?
The Fraser Coast Regional Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies, including flood mitigation measures and community awareness programs.
How can I prepare my home for flooding in Maryborough?
You can raise your home's foundation, install flood barriers, improve drainage, and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.
What should I do during a heatwave in Maryborough?
Stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
Where can I find information about bushfire risks in Maryborough?
You can find information about bushfire risks and preparedness on the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) website.
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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