Bushfire Risk in Monterey, NSW: 2026 Assessment
Bushfire Risk Score
3.0/10Bushfire risk in Monterey is relatively low due to the suburb's urban environment and limited vegetation. However, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential concern.
Key Facts
- Bushfire Risk
- Bushfire risk in Monterey is relatively low due to the suburb's urban environment and limited vegetation. However, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential concern.
- Trend
- stable
- Suburb
- Monterey, NSW
- Overall Risk
- Medium
- Postcode
- 2217
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 13% of land (surface flood)
Bushfire Risk Analysis
Monterey, New South Wales, has a bushfire risk in monterey is relatively low due to the suburb's urban environment and limited vegetation. however, ember attacks from distant fires remain a potential concern. 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.
While not a high-risk area, residents should still be aware of bushfire safety during the fire season.
CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For Monterey, 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 Monterey including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.
Monterey sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 12.2% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 74% 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 Monterey.
Monterey (postcode 2217) 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 (13% of land in high-risk zones), bushfire (12.2% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (7.3% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Monterey — 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
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve stormwater drainage
Near-termUpgrade stormwater drainage infrastructure to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.
Est. cost: Medium
Increase green space
Near-termPlant more trees and create green spaces to reduce the urban heat island effect and provide shade during heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Strengthen coastal defenses
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to reduce the risk of coastal erosion and inundation.
Est. cost: High
Develop a heatwave response plan
ImmediateCreate a community heatwave response plan to protect vulnerable residents during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Raise awareness of climate risks
ImmediateEducate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Monterey Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Monterey:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Monterey in a bushfire prone area?
Parts of Monterey may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Monterey 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 Monterey?
BAL ratings in Monterey 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 Monterey?
Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Monterey 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 Monterey?
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 Monterey is exposed to high surface flood risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 13% of Monterey in high-risk zones for surface flood, with a further 76.6% 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 Monterey Safe from Climate Risk?
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