Risk assessment and economic viability of climate adaptation measures for Australian housing subject to extreme wind events

Australia is a continent subject to climatic extremes, and its losses from tropical cyclones and thunderstorms are significantly higher than other natural hazards. The number of severe tropical cyclones is likely to increase due to climate change. Brisbane and the northeast coast of Queensland are regions where design wind specifications may be inadequate under future climate conditions. For example, the Australia Building Codes Board is considering a shift in the boundary to cyclone Region C to extend it south on the Queensland coast to 27°S to include areas in the Sunshine Coast. Hence, there is an urgent need to assess the risks and economic viability of these climate adaptation measures.