Bushfire Risk in Macquarie Hills, NSW: 2026 Assessment
Bushfire Risk Score
4.2/10The 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
Historical Events
Bushfires in the region caused smoke haze and some property damage in surrounding areas.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: Medium
Develop Heatwave Response Plan
ImmediateImplement a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach.
Est. cost: Low
Bushfire Risk Mitigation
Near-termImplement bushfire management strategies, including vegetation clearing and community education programs.
Est. cost: Medium
Community Awareness Programs
Long-termConduct community workshops and campaigns to raise awareness about climate risks and preparedness measures.
Est. cost: Low
Promote Water Conservation
Long-termEncourage water-saving practices to mitigate drought impacts and ensure water security.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Macquarie Hills Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Macquarie Hills:
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.
What A$69 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections