Climate Risk Profile: Sarina, QLD
Sarina is a coastal town in Queensland that faces moderate climate risks. The primary concerns are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards, which are projected to worsen with climate change. Residents should prepare for more frequent and intense extreme weather events.
Is Sarina Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Sarina, 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 Sarina
Part of Sarina is mapped as subject to coastal inundation.
9.8% of Sarina 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 Sarina →Climate Hazard Breakdown for Sarina
Flood
Sarina faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
The risk of bushfires in Sarina is moderate, particularly during dry periods. Areas with vegetation close to residential properties are more vulnerable.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
Heat
Sarina experiences high temperatures during summer, leading to heat stress, especially for vulnerable populations. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves are projected to increase.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Sarina faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to the coast. Sea level rise and storm surges can lead to inundation and erosion.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Sarina
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
Sarina experiences high temperatures during summer, leading to heat stress, especially for vulnerable populations. The frequency and intensity of heatwaves are projected to increase.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Sarina faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Sarina faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards due to its proximity to the coast. Sea level rise and storm surges can lead to inundation and erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfires in Sarina is moderate, particularly during dry periods. Areas with vegetation close to residential properties are more vulnerable.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·High temperatures
- ·Strong winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to increased climate risks.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience price reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to bushfires.
- 3.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise.
- 4.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
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
Upgrade Flood Defenses
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop Heat Action Plan
ImmediateImplement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreStrengthen Coastal Protection
Long-termImplement measures to protect against coastal erosion and inundation, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImprove Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement measures to reduce bushfire risk, such as vegetation management and community education programs.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Sarina's Climate Risk Profile
Sarina, located in the Mackay region of Queensland, is exposed to a range of climate-related risks. The town's proximity to the coast and low-lying areas makes it particularly vulnerable to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Rising sea levels are expected to exacerbate coastal erosion and inundation, threatening infrastructure and property.
Heatwaves are another significant concern for Sarina. The town already experiences high temperatures during summer, and climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of heatwaves. This poses a risk to public health, especially for the elderly and those with chronic conditions.
Bushfire risk is also present, particularly in areas with vegetation close to residential properties. While not as severe as other risks, it is important to maintain vegetation and have a bushfire preparedness plan.
Addressing these climate risks requires a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures. This includes investing in flood protection infrastructure, implementing heatwave early warning systems, and promoting sustainable land use planning. Community engagement and education are also crucial to ensure that residents are aware of the risks and prepared to take action.
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
Mackay Regional Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Sarina?
The main climate change risks for Sarina are flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and storm surges.
How is the local council preparing for climate change?
The Mackay Regional Council is developing and implementing strategies to address climate change, including investing in flood protection infrastructure and promoting sustainable land use planning.
What can I do to protect my property from flooding?
You can take steps to protect your property from flooding, such as raising the foundation, installing flood barriers, and ensuring proper drainage.
How can I prepare for a heatwave?
You can prepare for a heatwave by staying hydrated, seeking air-conditioned environments, and checking on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
Where can I find more information about climate change risks in Sarina?
You can find more information about climate change risks in Sarina on the Mackay Regional Council website, the Queensland Government website, and the Bureau of Meteorology website.
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