Climate Risk Assessment for Queenstown, TAS
Queenstown faces moderate risks from flooding and heatwaves, with bushfire risk also present. Climate change is expected to exacerbate these risks, particularly flooding and heat. Coastal risks are negligible due to its inland location.
Is Queenstown Safe from Climate Risk?
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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 Queenstown
Flood
Queenstown faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location in a valley and proximity to the Queen River. Heavy rainfall events can lead to riverine flooding and localised flash flooding.
Key drivers:
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Changes in river flow patterns
Bushfire
The risk of bushfire in Queenstown is moderate. While the immediate town area is relatively clear, surrounding areas have bushland that could pose a risk during dry periods and high winds.
Key drivers:
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
Heat
Queenstown is experiencing increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Key drivers:
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
Coastal
Queenstown is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Key drivers:
- ·N/A
Wind
Data being compiled
Storm
Data being compiled
Social
Data being compiled
Energy
Data being compiled
In-Depth Climate Risk Guides for Queenstown
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
Queenstown is experiencing increasing average temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. This poses a risk to vulnerable populations and infrastructure.
Primary Drivers
- ·Rising global temperatures
- ·Urban heat island effect
flood Risk
Queenstown faces a moderate risk of flooding due to its location in a valley and proximity to the Queen River. Heavy rainfall events can lead to riverine flooding and localised flash flooding.
Primary Drivers
- ·Increased rainfall intensity
- ·Changes in river flow patterns
coastal Risk
Queenstown is located inland and does not face a direct risk from coastal hazards such as sea level rise or coastal erosion.
Primary Drivers
- ·N/A
bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Queenstown is moderate. While the immediate town area is relatively clear, surrounding areas have bushland that could pose a risk during dry periods and high winds.
Primary Drivers
- ·Dry vegetation
- ·Increased frequency of heatwaves
What This Means for Property Owners
Insurance Outlook
Insurance premiums may increase due to the rising risk of flooding and bushfires.
Price Impact
Properties in flood-prone areas may experience a decrease in value.
Buyer Checklist
- 1.Check flood maps and historical flood data.
- 2.Assess the property's bushfire risk.
- 3.Ensure adequate insurance coverage.
- 4.Consider the property's energy efficiency.
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 mitigate flood risks, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreEnhance Bushfire Preparedness
Near-termImplement bushfire management strategies, including controlled burns and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Learn moreDevelop Heatwave Response Plan
ImmediateCreate a plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Low
Learn moreUpgrade Infrastructure
Long-termEnsure that infrastructure is resilient to climate change impacts, such as extreme weather events.
Est. cost: High
Learn moreAbout Queenstown's Climate Risk Profile
Queenstown, Tasmania, is a town with a unique history and landscape. Its location in a valley makes it susceptible to flooding from the Queen River and heavy rainfall events. Climate change is projected to increase the intensity and frequency of these rainfall events, leading to a higher risk of flooding in the future.
The surrounding bushland also poses a bushfire risk, especially during dry periods. While the town itself is relatively clear, embers and smoke can still affect the area. Rising temperatures and prolonged droughts are expected to increase the bushfire risk in the region.
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense in Queenstown, posing a threat to vulnerable populations, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions. The urban environment can also exacerbate the effects of heatwaves, creating an urban heat island effect.
While Queenstown is not directly exposed to coastal hazards, the broader region of Tasmania is experiencing the effects of sea level rise and coastal erosion. These changes can indirectly affect Queenstown through economic and social impacts.
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
West Coast Council
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main climate change risks in Queenstown?
The main climate change risks in Queenstown are flooding, heatwaves, and bushfires. These risks are expected to increase in the future due to rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns.
How is the local council preparing for climate change?
The West Coast Council is developing climate adaptation strategies to address the risks posed by climate change. These strategies include improving flood defenses, enhancing bushfire preparedness, and developing a heatwave response plan.
What can I do to protect my property from flooding?
You can take several steps to protect your property from flooding, such as installing flood barriers, improving drainage, and ensuring that your property is adequately insured.
How can I prepare for a heatwave?
To prepare for a heatwave, you should stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, and seek shelter in a cool place. Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members.
What should I do during a bushfire?
During a bushfire, follow the advice of emergency services. If you are in a bushfire-prone area, evacuate early and have a bushfire survival plan in place.
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 Queenstown, 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