Climate Risk Profile: Smithfield, QLD
Smithfield, QLD, faces increasing risks from climate change, particularly related to flooding, heatwaves, and coastal hazards. The suburb's proximity to waterways and the coast makes it vulnerable to rising sea levels and intense rainfall events. Residents should prepare for more frequent and severe extreme weather events.
Is Smithfield Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Smithfield, 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 Smithfield
Flood
Smithfield is located near waterways and low-lying areas, making it susceptible to flooding. Heavy rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Smithfield has some areas adjacent to bushland, increasing the risk of bushfires, particularly during dry periods with strong winds.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Drier vegetation
Heat
Smithfield experiences high temperatures during summer, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Smithfield is located near the coast and is exposed to potential impacts from sea level rise and coastal erosion. Storm surges can exacerbate these risks.
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 Smithfield
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
Smithfield experiences high temperatures during summer, and heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing a risk to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Smithfield is located near waterways and low-lying areas, making it susceptible to flooding. Heavy rainfall events can lead to riverine and flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Smithfield is located near the coast and is exposed to potential impacts from sea level rise and coastal erosion. Storm surges can exacerbate these risks.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased storm intensity
bushfire Risk
Smithfield has some areas adjacent to bushland, increasing the risk of bushfires, particularly during dry periods with strong winds.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
- ·Drier vegetation
- ·Stronger winds
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase in response to increased flood and storm risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess bushfire risk and implement mitigation measures.
- 3.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise.
- 4.Review insurance options and costs.
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, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing of buildings.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop Heatwave Preparedness Plans
ImmediateImplement strategies to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, such as cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreStrengthen Coastal Defenses
Long-termImplement measures to protect against coastal erosion and sea level rise, such as seawalls and beach nourishment.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreImprove Bushfire Management
Near-termReduce bushfire risk through controlled burns, vegetation management, and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn morePromote Water Conservation
Long-termEncourage water conservation measures to reduce demand on water resources during droughts and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreAbout Smithfield's Climate Risk Profile
Smithfield, Queensland, is a suburb that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Its location near the coast and waterways means it is particularly susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and rising sea levels. The increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves also pose a significant risk to the health and well-being of residents, especially the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
The risk of bushfires is also a concern, particularly during the dry season when vegetation becomes more flammable. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns are expected to exacerbate these risks in the coming decades. The combination of these factors makes it essential for residents and local authorities to take proactive measures to adapt to the changing climate.
Climate projections indicate that Smithfield will experience more extreme weather events, including more intense rainfall, higher temperatures, and rising sea levels. These changes will have significant implications for infrastructure, property values, and the overall quality of life in the suburb. It is crucial for the community to work together to implement adaptation strategies that can help mitigate these risks.
Understanding the specific risks and taking appropriate action can help protect Smithfield from the worst impacts of climate change. This includes investing in flood mitigation infrastructure, implementing heatwave preparedness plans, and promoting sustainable land management practices. By working together, the community can build a more resilient and sustainable future for Smithfield.
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
Cairns Regional Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks for Smithfield?
Smithfield faces increasing risks from flooding, heatwaves, bushfires, and coastal hazards due to climate change.
How will climate change affect property values in Smithfield?
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value due to increased flood and storm risks.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Smithfield?
Stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and check on vulnerable neighbors during heatwaves.
Where can I find information on flood risks in Smithfield?
You can find flood maps and historical flood data on the Cairns Regional Council website.
What is the council doing to address climate change in Smithfield?
The Cairns Regional Council is developing and implementing climate adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
How can I protect my home from bushfires in Smithfield?
Maintain fire breaks, clear vegetation around your home, and have a bushfire survival plan.
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 Smithfield, use our analysis tool.
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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