Climate Risk Assessment for Ross River, QLD
Ross River faces notable risks from flooding and heatwaves, which are expected to worsen with climate change. Bushfire risk is moderate, while coastal risks are low due to its inland location. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Ross River Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Ross River, 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 Ross River
Flood
Ross River is prone to flooding due to its proximity to the Ross River and other waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flooding events.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·River overflow
Bushfire
Parts of Ross River have a moderate bushfire risk due to nearby vegetation. Hotter and drier conditions caused by climate change will likely increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Ross River experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Ross River is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surge.
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 Ross River
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
Ross River experiences high temperatures, particularly during summer. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Ross River is prone to flooding due to its proximity to the Ross River and other waterways. Climate change is expected to increase rainfall intensity, leading to more frequent and severe flooding events.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·River overflow
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Ross River is located inland and has a low risk of coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surge.
Primary Drivers
- ·Distance from the coast
bushfire Risk
Parts of Ross River have a moderate bushfire risk due to nearby vegetation. Hotter and drier conditions caused by climate change will likely increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Vegetation density
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in areas with higher flood or bushfire risk.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire overlays.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to heatwaves.
- 3.Consider the potential for increased insurance premiums.
- 4.Review council 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-termInvest in flood mitigation infrastructure, such as levees and improved drainage systems, to protect properties from flooding.
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
Near-termImplement bushfire management strategies, including controlled burns and community education programs, to reduce the risk of bushfires.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Long-termEncourage water conservation measures to reduce water stress during periods of drought and high temperatures.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Ross River's Climate Risk Profile
Ross River, Queensland, is a suburb that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The primary concerns are flooding, driven by increased rainfall intensity and river overflow, and heatwaves, exacerbated by rising temperatures. Bushfire risk is also a factor, particularly in areas near vegetated land.
The suburb's proximity to the Ross River makes it susceptible to flooding. Climate projections indicate that rainfall events will become more intense, increasing the likelihood of riverine flooding. This poses a threat to properties and infrastructure located near the river.
Heatwaves are another significant concern. 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 heat island effect can further amplify these risks.
While coastal hazards are not a major concern due to the suburb's inland location, residents should still be aware of the potential for indirect impacts from severe weather events affecting coastal areas. Preparing for these climate-related risks is essential to ensure the safety and resilience of the community.
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 for Ross River?
The main climate change risks for Ross River are increased flooding, more frequent and intense heatwaves, and a moderate risk of bushfires.
How will climate change affect property values in Ross River?
Properties in high-risk areas, such as those prone to flooding or bushfires, may experience a decrease in value due to climate change impacts.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Ross River?
Townsville City Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation plans to address the risks of climate change, including flood mitigation and heatwave preparedness.
How can I prepare my home for increased heatwaves?
You can prepare your home for heatwaves by installing insulation, using fans and air conditioning, and planting trees to provide shade.
Where can I find information on flood risks in Ross River?
You can find information on flood risks in Ross River on the Townsville City Council website, including flood maps and information on flood mitigation measures.
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