Rising global temperatures are triggering Queensland's severe floods, with extreme weather events likely to increase in frequency and intensity.
Notable Recent Flood Events in Queensland
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- In early 2025, Queensland experienced devastating floods due to persistent tropical low-pressure systems.
- These floods resulted in at least two direct fatalities and 25 indirect deaths from disease outbreaks.
- Mass evacuations were ordered in coastal regions, and the economic impact was estimated at $1.2 billion AUD.
- Affected areas included Townsville, Hinchinbrook, and Innisfail.
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- In March 2025, unprecedented rainfall led to severe flooding in outback Queensland, submerging towns like Jundah and causing significant livestock losses, with estimates exceeding one million animals.
- The floods highlighted deficiencies in weather infrastructure and communication systems, prompting calls for improved forecasting and emergency response capabilities.
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- Following a week of record-breaking rainfall in April 2025, the Sunshine Coast experienced rare surf swells at Currimundi Lake.
- While some residents took advantage of the unusual conditions, the heavy rains caused devastating floods in the region, leading to road closures and emergency rescues.
How Climate Change Affects Queensland's Flooding
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Warmer Oceans & More Extreme Weather
- Higher sea surface temperatures lead to stronger storms and cyclones, bringing heavy rainfall
- More moisture in the atmosphere results in prolonged and intense downpours
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More Frequent & Intense Rainfall
- Climate change intensifies the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), affecting rainfall patterns
- Recent La Niña events (2021–2023) led to record-breaking rainfall and widespread flooding
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Rising Sea Levels & Coastal Flooding
- Coastal communities face increased flood risks as sea levels rise
- Storm surges become more destructive when combined with heavy rains
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Impact on River Systems & Urban Areas
- Rivers like the Brisbane River are more likely to overflow due to heavy upstream rainfall
- Urban development increases flood vulnerability by reducing natural drainage areas
Major Flood Events in Queensland
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Recent Flood Events (2025)
- Mass evacuations were ordered in coastal regions, and the economic impact was estimated at $1.2 billion AUD. Affected areas included Townsville, Hinchinbrook, and Innisfail.
- Outback Queensland Floods (March 2025): Unprecedented rainfall led to severe flooding in outback Queensland, submerging towns like Jundah and causing significant livestock losses, with estimates exceeding one million animals.
- The floods highlighted deficiencies in weather infrastructure and communication systems, prompting calls for improved forecasting and emergency response capabilities.
- Sunshine Coast Floods (April 2025): Following a week of record-breaking rainfall in April 2025, the Sunshine Coast experienced rare surf swells at Currimundi Lake.
- While some residents took advantage of the unusual conditions, the heavy rains caused devastating floods in the region, leading to road closures and emergency rescues.
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Historical Flood Events in Queensland
- Brisbane & South East Queensland Floods (2022): Record rainfall led to major flooding, causing significant damage and displacement.
- Townsville Floods (2019): A slow-moving monsoon dumped a year's worth of rain in a week.
- Brisbane Floods (2011): A devastating flood event caused by heavy rain and dam overflow.
Queensland's Climate Policies
To address the challenges posed by climate change, Queensland has implemented several policies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing climate resilience:
- Clean Economy Pathway: Queensland has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2035.
- Queensland Climate Transition Strategy (Q-CTS): This strategy outlines the state's approach to transitioning to a zero-net emissions economy, emphasizing the integration of climate considerations into planning and development frameworks.
- Queensland Climate Adaptation Strategy: Focused on delivering adaptation actions, this strategy aims to mitigate risks and impacts associated with climate change, including those related to flooding.
- Renewable Energy Targets: The state has set ambitious goals for renewable energy adoption, aiming for 50% renewable energy by 2030, 70% by 2032, and 80% by 2035, with a long-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Future Risks & Adaptation Strategies
- Improved Infrastructure: Flood-resistant urban planning and drainage systems
- Early Warning Systems: More accurate forecasting to prepare communities
- Climate Action: Reducing emissions to limit further warming
- Resilient Housing & Development: Relocating or adapting homes in flood-prone areas
Sources
- Dr. Caroline Ummenhofer, formerly of the University of New South Wales, who co-authored a study indicating that warmer ocean temperatures intensified Queensland's 2011 floods.
- Professor Matthew England, from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Climate System Science, who collaborated on the same study, highlighting the impact of ocean warming on heavy rainfall events in Queensland.
- Dr. Andrew King, a climate scientist at the University of Melbourne, who stated that climate change is driving an increase in flooding events globally, as warmer air holds more water vapor, leading to more intense rainfall.
- Adjunct Professor Steve Turton, from Central Queensland University, who has discussed the role of climate change in exacerbating the frequency and intensity of floods in Queensland.
Links
- 2025 Queensland floods
- Outback deluge pushes Queensland towns to the brink: 'Out here it's drought or floods'
- Queensland Treasury Climate Change
- Queensland Health Climate Risk Strategy 2021-2026
- State of Queensland: Disaster Ground Zero
- What's driving north Queensland's deadly, record-breaking floods?
- 'Expect more': Second 'once-in-a-century' flood in six years worsened by climate change
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