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Heat as a Natural Hazard in Queensland
Queenslanders are experiencing extreme heat more frequently than ever before, with serious impacts on our health, wellbeing and productivity.
Heatwaves already claim more lives than any other natural hazard in Queensland, according to the State of the Environment Report 2024. Yet our planning system still does not recognise heat as a natural hazard.
NQCC is supporting a parliamentary petition calling on the Queensland Government to modernise the State Planning Policy so heat risk is considered alongside floods, bushfires and cyclones - ensuring all future development supports healthy, resilient communities in a warming climate.
To reduce Queenslanders’ exposure to extreme and cumulative heat, planning and urban design must prioritise cost-effective natural solutions such as green spaces, shade and tree canopy, particularly around homes, community hubs and transport routes.
Recognising heat as a natural hazard is a critical first step to protecting community health, reducing heat-related illness and saving lives.
This would be the first step in addressing heat risk in Queensland, with a suite of necessary measures to follow, such as better protections for workers, community education for newcomers, better access to affordable air-conditioning, and more support for emergency services, healthcare providers and wildlife carers.
Beyond the petition
Alongside pushing for state-level change, NQCC is also learning from and advocating with communities locally. We want to better understand:
- what the biggest heat pressures are across North Queensland and urban Townsville
- who is most affected by extreme heat
- where community action and local solutions can make the biggest difference
- Your experience helps shape this work!
If you agree that heat should be recognised as a natural hazard in Queensland, follow the steps below!
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