Bushfire Risk in Lower Pappinbarra, NSW: 2026 Assessment

Lower Pappinbarra, New South Wales· UNKNOWN
The area surrounding Lower Pappinbarra is susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. The risk is elevated due to the presence of dense vegetation and prevailing winds.Updated 10 May 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

7.0/10

The area surrounding Lower Pappinbarra is susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. The risk is elevated due to the presence of dense vegetation and prevailing winds.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
The area surrounding Lower Pappinbarra is susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. The risk is elevated due to the presence of dense vegetation and prevailing winds.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Lower Pappinbarra, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2446
Highest high-risk exposure
7.6% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Lower Pappinbarra, New South Wales, has a the area surrounding lower pappinbarra is susceptible to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. the risk is elevated due to the presence of dense vegetation and prevailing winds. 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 area is surrounded by eucalyptus forests, which are highly flammable.

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

Lower Pappinbarra sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 7.6% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 72.3% 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 Lower Pappinbarra.

Lower Pappinbarra (postcode 2446) 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 bushfire (7.6% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (6.9% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (6.7% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Lower Pappinbarra — 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

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

Historical Events

2019
Major

A large bushfire burned through the surrounding area, threatening homes and infrastructure.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Upgrade flood defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect homes and businesses from flooding, such as levees and drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Implement bushfire management strategies

Immediate

Reduce fuel loads and improve firebreaks to protect properties from bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Develop a heatwave response plan

Near-term

Establish cooling centers and provide support to vulnerable populations during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Promote water conservation

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water to reduce the strain on water resources during droughts.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 10 May 2026

Explore Lower Pappinbarra Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lower Pappinbarra in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in Lower Pappinbarra 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 Lower Pappinbarra?

Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Lower Pappinbarra 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 Lower Pappinbarra?

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 Lower Pappinbarra is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 7.6% of Lower Pappinbarra in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 72.3% 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 Lower Pappinbarra Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Lower Pappinbarra, 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