South Eastern Queensland

Summary of Projected Impacts
South Eastern Queensland is expected to become warmer with more hot days and less cold nights. The annual average number of days over 35°C in Brisbane, currently 3, may double by 2030; while in Charleville the number could grow from the current 65 to 72-105 days and the number of cold days below 0°C could fall from 13 to 3-10 days. Population growth and higher temperatures are likely to cause a rise in heat-related illness and death for those over 65; warmer conditions may also help spread vector-borne disease further south. These health issues could increase pressure on medical and hospital services. Growth in peak summer energy demand, due to air-conditioning use, may increase the risk of blackouts. Increased stress on water supply is likely due to increased demand and climate-driven changes, such as higher evaporation reducing runoff to rivers and a possible decline in annual rainfall. More frequent and severe droughts, with greater fire risk, are likely. Increases in extreme storm events are expected to cause more flash flooding affecting industry and infrastructure, including water, sewerage and stormwater, transport and communications, and may challenge emergency services. In coastal areas infrastructure is vulnerable to sea level rise and inundation. Some agricultural crops may benefit from higher CO₂ concentrations however protein content is likely to decline. Frost-sensitive crops, such as wheat, may respond well to some warming however more hot days and less rainfall may reduce yields. Adverse effects for agriculture include reduced stone fruit yields in warmer winters, livestock stress and an increased prevalence of plant diseases, weeds and pests. Some centres dependent upon agriculture may be adversely affected.
Central Mackay Coast, South East Queensland

Summary of Projected Impacts

South Eastern Queensland is expected to become warmer with more hot days and less cold nights.
The annual average number of days over 35°C in Brisbane, currently 3, may double by 2030; while in Charleville the number could grow from the current 65 to 72-105 days and the number of cold days below 0°C could fall from 13 to 3-10 days.
Population growth and higher temperatures are likely to cause a rise in heat-related illness and death for those over 65; warmer conditions may also help spread vector-borne disease further south. These health issues could increase pressure on medical and hospital services.
Growth in peak summer energy demand, due to air-conditioning use, may increase the risk of blackouts.
Increased stress on water supply is likely due to increased demand and climate-driven changes, such as higher evaporation reducing runoff to rivers and a possible decline in annual rainfall.
More frequent and severe droughts, with greater fire risk, are likely.
Increases in extreme storm events are expected to cause more flash flooding affecting industry and infrastructure, including water, sewerage and stormwater, transport and communications, and may challenge emergency services.
In coastal areas infrastructure is vulnerable to sea level rise and inundation. Some agricultural crops may benefit from higher CO₂ concentrations however protein content is likely to decline.
Frost-sensitive crops, such as wheat, may respond well to some warming however more hot days and less rainfall may reduce yields.
Adverse effects for agriculture include reduced stone fruit yields in warmer winters, livestock stress and an increased prevalence of plant diseases, weeds and pests.
Some centres dependent upon agriculture may be adversely affected.

Map Showing South Eastern Queensland Region

Central Mackay Coast, South East Queensland

Photographs: IBRA Regions

Select another region

South Eastern Queensland