Climate Risk in Torquay, QLD
Torquay, Queensland, faces increasing climate risks, particularly from heatwaves and flooding. The suburb's coastal location also makes it vulnerable to sea level rise and coastal erosion. Residents should prepare for more frequent extreme weather events.
Is Torquay Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Torquay, 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 Torquay
Flood
Torquay faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
Bushfire
Bushfire risk in Torquay is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
Heat
Torquay experiences high heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This poses a threat to vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Torquay faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Torquay
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
Torquay experiences high heat risk, with increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwave events. This poses a threat to vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased greenhouse gas emissions
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Torquay faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its proximity to waterways and low-lying areas. Intense rainfall events can lead to flash flooding and riverine flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Torquay faces a moderate risk from coastal hazards, including sea level rise and coastal erosion. Low-lying areas are particularly vulnerable.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surge
- ·Coastal erosion
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk in Torquay is moderate, with some areas bordering bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased temperatures
- ·Drier conditions
- ·Vegetation dryness
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase in the future due to climate risks.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience price reductions.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and bushfire prone area maps.
- 2.Assess the property's elevation and proximity to waterways.
- 3.Inquire about past flood or bushfire events.
- 4.Consider the potential impact of sea level rise on coastal properties.
- 5.Review insurance options and premiums.
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 infrastructure to protect against flooding, such as levees, drainage improvements, and flood-proofing of buildings.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreDevelop a 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 sea level rise, such as beach nourishment, seawalls, and managed retreat.
Est. cost: Very High
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termImprove bushfire preparedness through vegetation management, community education, and early warning systems.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Torquay's Climate Risk Profile
Torquay, located in Queensland, is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures are leading to more frequent and intense heatwaves, posing a significant risk to public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
Flooding is another major concern for Torquay. Increased rainfall intensity and rising sea levels are exacerbating the risk of both flash flooding and riverine flooding. Low-lying areas are particularly susceptible, and infrastructure may be damaged by floodwaters.
The suburb's coastal location also exposes it to the threats of sea level rise and coastal erosion. These hazards can damage property, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems, and may eventually lead to displacement of residents.
Bushfire risk is also present, although somewhat less severe than other hazards. Drier conditions and higher temperatures increase the likelihood of bushfires, particularly in areas bordering bushland. Residents should be aware of bushfire safety measures and have a plan in place in case of an emergency.
Addressing these climate risks will require a combination of mitigation and adaptation measures. Mitigation efforts should focus on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while adaptation measures should focus on preparing for the impacts of climate change that are already locked in.
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 in Torquay?
The main climate change risks in Torquay are heatwaves, flooding, and coastal hazards such as sea level rise and coastal erosion.
How is the local council addressing climate change?
The Fraser Coast Regional Council is developing and implementing strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change, including improving flood defenses and promoting sustainable development.
What can I do to prepare for heatwaves in Torquay?
During heatwaves, stay indoors in air-conditioned environments, drink plenty of water, and check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
Where can I find information about flood risks in Torquay?
You can find information about flood risks on the Fraser Coast Regional Council website, including flood maps and emergency preparedness guides.
Are there any community groups working on climate change in Torquay?
Yes, there are several community groups in the Fraser Coast region that are working on climate change issues, such as promoting sustainable living and advocating for climate action.
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