Bushfire Risk in macarthur, ACT: 2026 Assessment
Bushfire Risk Score
4.0/10The bushfire risk in Macarthur is moderate due to its proximity to grasslands and some wooded areas. While not directly surrounded by dense forest, ember attack and grassfires pose a threat during dry periods.
Key Facts
- Bushfire Risk
- The bushfire risk in Macarthur is moderate due to its proximity to grasslands and some wooded areas. While not directly surrounded by dense forest, ember attack and grassfires pose a threat during dry periods.
- Trend
- stable
- Suburb
- macarthur, ACT
- Overall Risk
- Medium
- Postcode
- 2904
- Region
- ACT
- Median property value
- $875,000
- Dominant hazard
- bushfire (6/10)
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 6.1% of land (bushfire)
Bushfire Risk Analysis
macarthur, Australian Capital Territory, has a the bushfire risk in macarthur is moderate due to its proximity to grasslands and some wooded areas. while not directly surrounded by dense forest, ember attack and grassfires pose a threat during dry periods. bushfire risk profile. Key factors include distance to classified bushland, vegetation type, slope, and historical bushfire activity in the region. The Australian Capital Territory fire authority maps bushfire-prone areas and assigns BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings.
The suburb is designated as a bushfire-prone area, requiring properties to adhere to specific building standards and vegetation management practices.
CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For macarthur, this may mean shifts in bushfire risk levels over the coming decades, making property-level BAL assessment increasingly important.
Use ClimateNest for a complete address-level bushfire risk report for macarthur including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.
macarthur sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 6.1% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 64% in moderate-risk zones, based on the national hazard overlay. Exposure at this scale varies street by street, which is why an address-level check matters before you buy or insure a specific property in macarthur.
On ClimateNest's 0–10 suburb hazard index, macarthur scores 6 for bushfire risk — a moderate exposure relative to the Australian suburb range. For comparison, properties in macarthur can still sit well above or below this suburb average depending on elevation, distance to waterways or vegetation, and local drainage.
macarthur (postcode 2904), is an Australian Capital Territory suburb tracked by ClimateNest. The suburb's median property value is $875,000, and understanding climate exposure is becoming a standard part of due diligence for buyers, lenders and insurers pricing property in macarthur.
Across the six hazard axes ClimateNest models, the dominant climate risk in macarthur is bushfire (score 6/10), with moderate exposure. Insurance signals for the suburb point to premiums rising moderately (+30% by 2030). These suburb-level signals help prioritise which properties need the closest look — the actual risk of any single home can only be confirmed with an address-level report.
Whether you are buying, selling or renovating in macarthur, bushfire is the hazard to weigh first. Local council planning controls, state hazard mapping and lender climate policies each reference this kind of suburb-level signal, and property decisions in macarthur are increasingly made with an address-level climate report in hand.
Local Hazard Evidence
Historical Events
The 2003 Canberra bushfires impacted the region, with smoke and ash affecting Macarthur.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve stormwater infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade stormwater drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: High
Implement heatwave early warning system
ImmediateDevelop a system to alert vulnerable residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on staying safe.
Est. cost: Low
Enhance bushfire preparedness
Near-termConduct community education programs on bushfire safety and implement vegetation management strategies.
Est. cost: Medium
Promote water conservation
Long-termEncourage residents to conserve water through rebates and educational campaigns to reduce strain on water resources during droughts.
Est. cost: Low
Increase urban green space
Long-termPlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Council & Emergency Services
Explore macarthur Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for macarthur:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is macarthur in a bushfire prone area?
Parts of macarthur may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, macarthur has a notable bushfire risk. Check your specific property for BAL ratings through ClimateNest or your local council.
What BAL rating applies to properties in macarthur?
BAL ratings in macarthur depend on the property's distance from classified vegetation, vegetation type, and slope. A site-specific assessment under AS 3959 is required to determine the exact BAL rating for any property within the suburb.
Does bushfire risk affect insurance in macarthur?
Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of macarthur may face higher building insurance premiums. Insurers assess bushfire risk based on BAL rating, fire history, and proximity to bushland. Some insurers may restrict cover in very high-risk locations.
What bushfire mitigation measures help protect homes in macarthur?
Effective bushfire mitigation includes maintaining cleared asset protection zones, using ember-proof mesh on vents, installing metal gutter guards, using non-combustible building materials, and maintaining defendable space. Consult the Australian Capital Territory fire authority for property-specific guidance.
What are the main climate risks in macarthur?
ClimateNest's suburb model rates macarthur's dominant climate risk as bushfire at 6/10 on a 0–10 index, followed by extreme heat (5/10) and damaging wind (5/10). These are suburb-level averages — an address-level report is needed to confirm the risk of a specific property in macarthur.
What share of macarthur is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 6.1% of macarthur in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 64% in moderate-risk zones. Suburb-level exposure is not uniform — individual properties can differ from these averages, so an address-level check is recommended.
Is macarthur Safe from Climate Risk?
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Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections