Bushfire Risk in Kurnell, NSW: 2026 Assessment
Bushfire Risk Score
4.0/10Kurnell has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to the Royal National Park. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key Facts
- Bushfire Risk
- Kurnell has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to the Royal National Park. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
- Trend
- stable
- Suburb
- Kurnell, NSW
- Overall Risk
- Medium
- Postcode
- 2231
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 9.2% of land (surface flood)
Bushfire Risk Analysis
Kurnell, New South Wales, has a kurnell has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to the royal national park. hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood 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.
The western edge of Kurnell borders the Royal National Park, increasing bushfire risk.
CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For Kurnell, 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 Kurnell including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.
Kurnell sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 8.7% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 61.6% 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 Kurnell.
Kurnell (postcode 2231) is tracked in ClimateNest's suburb hazard model, which maps the share of the suburb's land exposed to each hazard at high and moderate levels. The suburb's highest high-risk exposures are surface flood (9.2% of land in high-risk zones), bushfire (8.7% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (5.6% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Kurnell — individual properties can sit well above or below these averages, so an address-level check is recommended before buying, selling or insuring.
Local Hazard Evidence
Historical Events
Bushfires in the Royal National Park threatened Kurnell, requiring residents to be prepared for evacuation.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve drainage infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to reduce the risk of flash flooding during heavy rainfall events.
Est. cost: Medium
Strengthen coastal defenses
Long-termConstruct seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against sea level rise and storm surge.
Est. cost: High
Develop a heatwave response plan
ImmediateImplement a heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Reduce bushfire risk
Near-termImplement bushfire mitigation measures, such as clearing vegetation around properties and conducting controlled burns.
Est. cost: Medium
Raise awareness of climate risks
ImmediateEducate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for them.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Kurnell Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Kurnell:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kurnell in a bushfire prone area?
Parts of Kurnell may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Kurnell 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 Kurnell?
BAL ratings in Kurnell 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 Kurnell?
Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Kurnell 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 Kurnell?
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 share of Kurnell is exposed to high surface flood risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 9.2% of Kurnell in high-risk zones for surface flood, with a further 74.1% 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 Kurnell Safe from Climate Risk?
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