📮 Macquarie Hills postcode: 2285

Bushfire Risk in Macquarie Hills, NSW: 2026 Assessment

Macquarie Hills, New South Wales· Lake Macquarie· 2285
The suburb has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of bushfires.Updated 21 May 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

4.2/10

The suburb has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
The suburb has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. Hot, dry conditions can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Trend
stable
Suburb
Macquarie Hills, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2285
Highest high-risk exposure
11.5% of land (surface flood)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Macquarie Hills, New South Wales, has a the suburb has a moderate bushfire risk due to its proximity to bushland areas. hot, dry conditions 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.

Properties bordering bushland are at higher 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 Macquarie Hills, 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 Macquarie Hills including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.

Macquarie Hills sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 11.5% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 81.7% 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 Macquarie Hills.

Macquarie Hills (postcode 2285) 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 (11.5% of land in high-risk zones), bushfire (11.5% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (6.3% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Macquarie Hills — 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 to Awaba State Forest
BAL Overlay / ZoneRefer to NSW RFS maps
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2013
Minor

Bushfires in the region caused smoke haze and some property damage in surrounding areas.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: Medium

Develop Heatwave Response Plan

Immediate

Implement a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach.

Est. cost: Low

Bushfire Risk Mitigation

Near-term

Implement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Conduct community workshops and campaigns to raise awareness about climate risks and preparedness measures.

Est. cost: Low

Promote Water Conservation

Long-term

Encourage water-saving practices to mitigate drought impacts and ensure water security.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Lake Macquarie City Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 21 May 2026

Explore Macquarie Hills Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Macquarie Hills in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in Macquarie Hills 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 Macquarie Hills?

Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Macquarie Hills 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 Macquarie Hills?

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 Macquarie Hills is exposed to high surface flood risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 11.5% of Macquarie Hills in high-risk zones for surface flood, with a further 67.4% 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 Macquarie Hills Safe from Climate Risk?

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

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

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