Bushfire Risk in Merrigal, NSW: 2026 Assessment

Merrigal, New South Wales· UNKNOWN
Merrigal has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.Updated 7 May 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

8.0/10

Merrigal has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
Merrigal has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Merrigal, NSW
Overall Risk
High
Postcode
2827
Highest high-risk exposure
13.5% of land (riverine flood)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Merrigal, New South Wales, has a merrigal has a high bushfire risk due to its location near bushland. drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to increase the frequency and intensity 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 edge of Merrigal borders a large area of native bushland.

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

Merrigal sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 5.5% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 87.4% 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 Merrigal.

Merrigal (postcode 2827) 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 riverine flood (13.5% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (8.8% of land in high-risk zones), bushfire (5.5% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Merrigal — 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

2020
Major

The Black Summer bushfires impacted the region surrounding Merrigal, causing significant smoke haze and community concern.

2019
Moderate

A bushfire near Merrigal caused property damage and evacuations.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Develop a Bushfire Survival Plan

Immediate

Create a detailed plan for protecting your family and property in the event of a bushfire. Clear vegetation around your home and prepare an emergency kit.

Est. cost: Low

Improve Home Cooling

Near-term

Install air conditioning or fans to stay cool during heatwaves. Insulate your home to reduce heat gain and consider planting trees for shade.

Est. cost: Medium

Flood-Proof Your Home

Near-term

Raise electrical outlets and appliances above flood level. Install flood barriers and improve drainage around your property.

Est. cost: Medium

Support Renewable Energy

Long-term

Advocate for policies that promote renewable energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Consider installing solar panels on your home.

Est. cost: High

Participate in Community Climate Action

Long-term

Join local groups working to address climate change. Advocate for climate-friendly policies and support sustainable businesses.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

UNKNOWN
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 7 May 2026

Explore Merrigal Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Merrigal in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in Merrigal 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 Merrigal?

Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Merrigal 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 Merrigal?

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 Merrigal is exposed to high riverine flood risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 13.5% of Merrigal in high-risk zones for riverine flood, with a further 67% 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 Merrigal Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Merrigal, 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