Climate Risk Profile: Yorkeys Knob, QLD
Yorkeys Knob is a coastal suburb in Queensland that faces several climate-related risks. The primary concerns are flooding and coastal hazards, with increasing risks from heatwaves. Residents should prepare for potential impacts from these events.
Is Yorkeys Knob Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Yorkeys Knob, Queensland, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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Full report from A$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections
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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 Yorkeys Knob
Part of Yorkeys Knob is mapped as subject to coastal inundation.
75.4% of Yorkeys Knob 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 Yorkeys Knob →Climate Hazard Breakdown for Yorkeys Knob
Flood
Yorkeys Knob is susceptible to flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to waterways. Heavy rainfall events can lead to stormwater and riverine flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
Bushfire
Bushfire risk is relatively low in Yorkeys Knob due to the limited presence of dense vegetation in close proximity to residential areas. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Strong winds
Heat
Yorkeys Knob experiences high temperatures and humidity during the summer months, increasing the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Key drivers:
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Yorkeys Knob is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. The low-lying coastline is particularly at risk.
Key drivers:
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
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Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Yorkeys Knob
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
Yorkeys Knob experiences high temperatures and humidity during the summer months, increasing the risk of heat stress, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Primary Drivers
- ·Climate change
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Yorkeys Knob is susceptible to flooding due to its low-lying coastal location and proximity to waterways. Heavy rainfall events can lead to stormwater and riverine flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Urban development
coastal Risk
Yorkeys Knob is vulnerable to coastal erosion and inundation due to sea level rise and storm surges. The low-lying coastline is particularly at risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Sea level rise
- ·Storm surges
- ·Erosion
bushfire Risk
Bushfire risk is relatively low in Yorkeys Knob due to the limited presence of dense vegetation in close proximity to residential areas. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the risk.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Strong winds
- ·Climate change
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums are likely to increase due to the increasing risk of flooding and coastal inundation.
Price Impact
Properties in high-risk areas may experience a decrease in value as climate risks become more apparent.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess the property's vulnerability to coastal erosion.
- 3.Inquire about insurance costs and coverage.
- 4.Consider the potential impacts of sea level rise.
- 5.Evaluate the property's energy efficiency and cooling options.
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 Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termImprove stormwater drainage systems to reduce the risk of flash flooding during heavy rainfall events.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreProtect Coastal Ecosystems
Near-termRestore and protect mangrove forests and dunes to provide natural buffers against coastal erosion and storm surges.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop a Heatwave Management Plan
ImmediateImplement a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreRaise Awareness of Climate Risks
Long-termEducate residents about the risks of climate change and provide guidance on how to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreStrengthen Building Codes
Near-termUpdate building codes to ensure that new construction is resilient to flooding, coastal inundation, and extreme heat.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreAbout Yorkeys Knob's Climate Risk Profile
Yorkeys Knob, located in Queensland, is a suburb that is increasingly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The suburb's low-lying coastal location makes it particularly susceptible to flooding from heavy rainfall and storm surges. Sea level rise is expected to exacerbate these risks, leading to more frequent and severe inundation events.
Bushfire risk is relatively lower compared to other regions, but dry conditions and strong winds can still pose a threat. Residents should maintain their properties to reduce potential fuel loads and stay informed about fire danger ratings.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, posing health risks to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. It is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activities during peak heat periods.
Coastal erosion is another significant concern, with the potential to damage infrastructure and property along the coastline. Protecting and restoring coastal ecosystems, such as mangroves and dunes, can help to mitigate these impacts. Planning for managed retreat may also be necessary in the long term.
Addressing these climate risks requires a coordinated effort from individuals, communities, and governments. By taking proactive measures to adapt to climate change, Yorkeys Knob can enhance its resilience and protect its residents and assets.
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 Yorkeys Knob?
The main climate change risks for Yorkeys Knob are flooding, coastal inundation, and heatwaves. Sea level rise is expected to exacerbate these risks.
How can I prepare my property for flooding?
You can prepare your property for flooding by elevating appliances, installing flood barriers, and ensuring that your property is properly drained.
What should I do during a heatwave?
During a heatwave, it is important to stay hydrated, seek air-conditioned environments, and avoid strenuous activities. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
Where can I find information about local emergency services?
You can find information about local emergency services on the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) website.
How is the Cairns Regional Council addressing climate change?
The Cairns Regional Council has a sustainability strategy that outlines its approach to addressing climate change, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to the impacts of climate change.
Will sea levels affect my property in Yorkeys Knob?
Yes, sea level rise is projected to increase the risk of coastal inundation in Yorkeys Knob, potentially affecting properties close to the coastline. It's important to check long-term projections and council planning.
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 Yorkeys Knob, 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