Bushfire Risk in Old Erowal Bay, NSW: 2026 Assessment
Bushfire Risk Score
8.0/10The suburb is at high risk of bushfires due to the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to exacerbate bushfire risk in the future.
Key Facts
- Bushfire Risk
- The suburb is at high risk of bushfires due to the surrounding bushland. Drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to exacerbate bushfire risk in the future.
- Trend
- increasing
- Suburb
- Old Erowal Bay, NSW
- Overall Risk
- High
- Postcode
- 2540
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 24.4% of land (bushfire)
Bushfire Risk Analysis
Old Erowal Bay, New South Wales, has a the suburb is at high risk of bushfires due to the surrounding bushland. drier conditions and higher temperatures are expected to exacerbate bushfire risk in the future. 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 has a history of bushfires, with several major events in recent decades.
CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For Old Erowal Bay, 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 Old Erowal Bay including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.
Old Erowal Bay sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 24.4% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 62.4% 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 Old Erowal Bay.
Old Erowal Bay (postcode 2540) 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 (24.4% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (6% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (5.8% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Old Erowal Bay — 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
The Currowan bushfire impacted the region, causing widespread damage and evacuations.
Bushfires threatened properties in the area, requiring firefighting efforts.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve coastal defenses
Near-termInvest in seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against sea level rise and storm surges.
Est. cost: High
Strengthen bushfire preparedness
ImmediateImplement stricter building codes in bushfire-prone areas and provide residents with resources to prepare for bushfires.
Est. cost: Medium
Develop a heatwave response plan
Near-termCreate a plan to help residents cope with extreme heat, including cooling centers and public awareness campaigns.
Est. cost: Low
Upgrade stormwater drainage
Long-termImprove stormwater drainage systems to reduce the risk of flooding during heavy rainfall events.
Est. cost: High
Community education programs
Near-termEducate the community about climate change risks and adaptation measures.
Est. cost: Low
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Old Erowal Bay Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Old Erowal Bay:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Erowal Bay in a bushfire prone area?
Parts of Old Erowal Bay may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Old Erowal Bay 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 Old Erowal Bay?
BAL ratings in Old Erowal Bay 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 Old Erowal Bay?
Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Old Erowal Bay 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 Old Erowal Bay?
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 Old Erowal Bay is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 24.4% of Old Erowal Bay in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 62.4% 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 Old Erowal Bay Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Old Erowal Bay, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
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