Bushfire Risk in South Grafton, NSW: 2026 Assessment

South Grafton, New South Wales· UNKNOWN
South Grafton has some exposure to bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the likelihood of bushfires.Updated 31 Mar 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

4.2/10

South Grafton has some exposure to bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the likelihood of bushfires.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
South Grafton has some exposure to bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are projected to increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
South Grafton, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2460
Highest high-risk exposure
12.4% of land (surface flood)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

South Grafton, New South Wales, has a south grafton has some exposure to bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. hotter, drier conditions are projected to 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.

Areas to the west of South Grafton are classified 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 South Grafton, 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 South Grafton including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.

South Grafton sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 8.6% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 78.8% 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 South Grafton.

South Grafton (postcode 2460) 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 (12.4% of land in high-risk zones), bushfire (8.6% of land in high-risk zones), extreme wind (3.9% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across South Grafton — 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 BushlandWithin 1km
BAL Overlay / ZoneLikely
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2019
Moderate

Bushfires in the surrounding region caused smoke haze and elevated fire danger in South Grafton.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Flood Resilience

Immediate

Elevate homes, install flood barriers, and improve drainage to reduce flood damage.

Est. cost: Medium

Reduce Bushfire Risk

Near-term

Create firebreaks, clear vegetation around homes, and install fire-resistant building materials.

Est. cost: Low

Manage Heatwave Impacts

Immediate

Install air conditioning, improve insulation, and create shaded outdoor spaces to reduce heat stress.

Est. cost: Medium

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Implement community education programs to raise awareness about climate change risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Clarence Valley Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 31 March 2026

Explore South Grafton Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Grafton in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in South Grafton 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 South Grafton?

Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of South Grafton 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 South Grafton?

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 South Grafton is exposed to high surface flood risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 12.4% of South Grafton in high-risk zones for surface flood, with a further 59.6% 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 South Grafton Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for South Grafton, 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