Bushfire Risk in Matcham, NSW: 2026 Assessment
Bushfire Risk Score
4.5/10Matcham has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key Facts
- Bushfire Risk
- Matcham has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
- Trend
- increasing
- Suburb
- Matcham, NSW
- Overall Risk
- Medium
- Postcode
- 2250
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 24.1% of land (bushfire)
Bushfire Risk Analysis
Matcham, New South Wales, has a matcham has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of surrounding bushland. 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 and southern parts of Matcham are identified as bushfire prone areas.
CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For Matcham, 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 Matcham including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.
Matcham sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 24.1% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 55.3% 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 Matcham.
Matcham (postcode 2250) 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 (24.1% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (9.1% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (7.2% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Matcham — 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 burned in the Central Coast region, threatening homes in Matcham and nearby suburbs. Firefighters worked to contain the blazes and protect properties.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve flood management infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems and build flood levees to protect properties from flooding.
Est. cost: High
Implement bushfire mitigation measures
ImmediateClear vegetation around homes and create firebreaks to reduce the risk of bushfires.
Est. cost: Medium
Develop a heatwave response plan
Near-termEstablish cooling centers and provide support to vulnerable populations during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Low
Protect coastal areas from sea level rise
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to protect properties from erosion and inundation.
Est. cost: Very High
Promote water conservation
Near-termEncourage residents to conserve water through rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation practices.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Matcham Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Matcham:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Matcham in a bushfire prone area?
Parts of Matcham may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Matcham 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 Matcham?
BAL ratings in Matcham 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 Matcham?
Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Matcham 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 Matcham?
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 Matcham is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 24.1% of Matcham in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 55.3% 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 Matcham Safe from Climate Risk?
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