📮 South Kempsey postcode: 2440

Bushfire Risk in South Kempsey, NSW: 2026 Assessment

South Kempsey, New South Wales· Kempsey· 2440
South Kempsey faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. While not directly adjacent to dense bushland, ember attack is a potential threat during severe fire weather.Updated 18 May 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

4.2/10

South Kempsey faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. While not directly adjacent to dense bushland, ember attack is a potential threat during severe fire weather.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
South Kempsey faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. While not directly adjacent to dense bushland, ember attack is a potential threat during severe fire weather.
Trend
stable
Suburb
South Kempsey, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2440
Highest high-risk exposure
12.7% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

South Kempsey, New South Wales, has a south kempsey faces a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. while not directly adjacent to dense bushland, ember attack is a potential threat during severe fire weather. 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 classified as bushfire prone, requiring adherence to building codes and vegetation management practices.

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 Kempsey, 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 Kempsey including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.

South Kempsey sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 12.7% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 81% 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 Kempsey.

South Kempsey (postcode 2440) 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 (12.7% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (9.9% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (5.2% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across South Kempsey — 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 Bushland500m
BAL Overlay / Zonehttps://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/map
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2019
Moderate

Bushfires in the surrounding region caused smoky conditions and increased fire risk in South Kempsey.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in levees, drainage systems, and other flood mitigation infrastructure to protect properties from inundation.

Est. cost: High

Implement Heatwave Early Warning System

Near-term

Develop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert residents of impending extreme heat events and provide guidance on how to stay safe.

Est. cost: Medium

Promote Bushfire Preparedness

Near-term

Educate residents on bushfire safety measures, including clearing vegetation around homes and preparing a bushfire survival plan.

Est. cost: Low

Strengthen Building Codes

Long-term

Update building codes to require new construction to be more resilient to climate-related hazards, such as flooding and extreme heat.

Est. cost: Medium

Community Education Programs

Immediate

Run workshops and distribute information on how residents can prepare for and respond to climate-related hazards.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Kempsey Shire Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 18 May 2026

Explore South Kempsey Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Kempsey in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in South Kempsey 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 Kempsey?

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

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 Kempsey is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 12.7% of South Kempsey in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 81% 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 Kempsey Safe from Climate Risk?

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