Bushfire Risk in Gladstone, NSW: 2026 Assessment

Gladstone, New South Wales· UNKNOWN
The bushfire risk in Gladstone is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.Updated 18 May 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

4.0/10

The bushfire risk in Gladstone is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Gladstone is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Gladstone, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2440
Region
Coastal NSW
Median property value
$925,000
Dominant hazard
extreme heat (5/10)
Highest high-risk exposure
12.5% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Gladstone, New South Wales, has a the bushfire risk in gladstone is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods. climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires. bushfire risk profile. Key factors include distance to classified bushland, vegetation type, slope, and historical bushfire activity in the region. The New South Wales fire authority maps bushfire-prone areas and assigns BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings.

Areas adjacent to bushland are designated as bushfire prone.

CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For Gladstone, 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 Gladstone including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.

Gladstone sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 12.5% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 76.9% 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 Gladstone.

On ClimateNest's 0–10 suburb hazard index, Gladstone scores 4 for bushfire risk — a moderate exposure relative to the Australian suburb range. For comparison, properties in Gladstone can still sit well above or below this suburb average depending on elevation, distance to waterways or vegetation, and local drainage.

Gladstone located in Coastal NSW (postcode 2440), is a New South Wales suburb tracked by ClimateNest. The suburb's median property value is $925,000, and understanding climate exposure is becoming a standard part of due diligence for buyers, lenders and insurers pricing property in Gladstone.

Across the six hazard axes ClimateNest models, the dominant climate risk in Gladstone is extreme heat (score 5/10), 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 Gladstone, extreme heat 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 Gladstone are increasingly made with an address-level climate report in hand.

Local Hazard Evidence

Distance to BushlandAdjacent to bushland
BAL Overlay / ZoneRFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2019
Moderate

Bushfires impacted areas near Gladstone, causing property damage and evacuations. The fires were fueled by dry conditions and strong winds.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: High

Bushfire Risk Management

Near-term

Implement bushfire risk reduction measures, such as fuel reduction and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Heatwave Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave preparedness plan to protect vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Low

Coastal Protection

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and erosion.

Est. cost: High

Community Awareness Programs

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

UNKNOWN
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 18 May 2026

Explore Gladstone Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gladstone in a bushfire prone area?

Parts of Gladstone may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Gladstone 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 Gladstone?

BAL ratings in Gladstone 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 Gladstone?

Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Gladstone 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 Gladstone?

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 New South Wales fire authority for property-specific guidance.

What are the main climate risks in Gladstone?

ClimateNest's suburb model rates Gladstone's dominant climate risk as extreme heat at 5/10 on a 0–10 index, followed by damaging wind (5/10) and severe storm (5/10). These are suburb-level averages — an address-level report is needed to confirm the risk of a specific property in Gladstone.

What share of Gladstone is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 12.5% of Gladstone in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 76.9% 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 Gladstone Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Gladstone, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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What A$69 could save you from

$7.2B
2022 insured disaster losses*
$300B+
climate risk to property by 2050*
30-120%
insurance premium increases in high-risk areas*

*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA

Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections