Tsunami hazard areas
We conducted Stage 1 study in 2013 to better understand the potential tsunami hazards along the Queensland east coast, from Cooktown to the Gold Coast.
We used specialist software to model the movement of hypothetical tsunami events and assess the height changes as the tsunami travels closer to the coast.
In particular, we assessed the influence of the Great Barrier Reef on tsunami propagation.
The Australian Government’s Natural Disaster Mitigation Program funded the study.
View the tsunami reports.
What we found
The study showed the Great Barrier Reef reduces the tsunami height, protecting North and Central Queensland.
The hazard was greater for South East Queensland, where the continental shelf is narrower.
However, we found that more detailed site-specific models and high-detail terrain information was required to assess the actual impact on coastal communities.
We have now completed detailed tsunami inundation modelling for Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast, Hervey Bay and Gold Coast. Detailed information on the impact can be found by viewing the tsunami reports as well as the GIS layers that map the inundation extent.
Warnings
People should take notice of warnings and keep away from the beaches and waterways during an event until they are advised it is safe.
More information on tsunami warnings and what you should do during an event can be found on the following websites:
- Get Ready Queensland
- Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology
- Australian Government Geoscience Australia.
- Tsunami evacuation areas for Queensland