Bushfire Risk in McLeans Ridges, NSW: 2026 Assessment

McLeans Ridges, New South Wales· UNKNOWN
The area around McLeans Ridges is prone to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire events.Updated 13 Apr 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

7.0/10

The area around McLeans Ridges is prone to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire events.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
The area around McLeans Ridges is prone to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. Climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire events.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
McLeans Ridges, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2480
Highest high-risk exposure
20.1% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

McLeans Ridges, New South Wales, has a the area around mcleans ridges is prone to bushfires, particularly during dry periods. climate change is expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire events. 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 designated as bushfire prone.

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

McLeans Ridges sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 20.1% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 57.6% 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 McLeans Ridges.

McLeans Ridges (postcode 2480) 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 (20.1% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (15.5% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (10.1% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across McLeans Ridges — 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

Severe bushfires impacted the region, with significant smoke haze in McLeans Ridges.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Flood Defenses

Near-term

Upgrade drainage infrastructure and implement flood-resistant building measures.

Est. cost: Medium

Bushfire Preparedness

Immediate

Create firebreaks, clear vegetation around properties, and develop evacuation plans.

Est. cost: Low

Heatwave Action Plan

Near-term

Establish cooling centers and provide support for vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Community Education

Long-term

Raise awareness about climate risks and adaptation strategies through workshops and information campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Sustainable Land Management

Long-term

Promote sustainable land use practices to reduce erosion and improve water management.

Est. cost: Medium

Council & Emergency Services

Lismore City Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 13 April 2026

Explore McLeans Ridges Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is McLeans Ridges in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in McLeans Ridges 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 McLeans Ridges?

Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of McLeans Ridges 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 McLeans Ridges?

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 McLeans Ridges is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 20.1% of McLeans Ridges in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 57.6% 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 McLeans Ridges Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for McLeans Ridges, 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