📮 South Lismore postcode: 2480

Bushfire Risk in South Lismore, NSW: 2026 Assessment

South Lismore, New South Wales· Lismore· 2480
South Lismore has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. While not directly adjacent to large forested areas, ember attack from distant fires remains a concern, particularly during dry and windy conditions.Updated 21 May 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

3.5/10

South Lismore has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. While not directly adjacent to large forested areas, ember attack from distant fires remains a concern, particularly during dry and windy conditions.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
South Lismore has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. While not directly adjacent to large forested areas, ember attack from distant fires remains a concern, particularly during dry and windy conditions.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
South Lismore, NSW
Overall Risk
High
Postcode
2480
Highest high-risk exposure
18.3% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

South Lismore, New South Wales, has a south lismore has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. while not directly adjacent to large forested areas, ember attack from distant fires remains a concern, particularly during dry and windy conditions. 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 immediately surrounded by dense bushland, South Lismore is located within a region prone to bushfires. Ember attack is a significant concern during periods of high fire danger.

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

South Lismore sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 18.3% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 54.8% 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 Lismore.

South Lismore (postcode 2480) 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 (18.3% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (10.9% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (5.6% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across South Lismore — 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 Bushland1-2 km
BAL Overlay / Zonehttps://www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/map
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2019
Moderate

Bushfires in the region caused smoky conditions and increased fire danger in South Lismore.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in flood levees, drainage improvements, and other infrastructure to protect properties from flooding.

Est. cost: High

Strengthen Building Codes

Near-term

Update building codes to require new construction to be more resilient to flooding and bushfires.

Est. cost: Medium

Develop Heat Action Plan

Near-term

Implement a heat action plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including establishing cooling centers and providing public awareness campaigns.

Est. cost: Low

Community Education Programs

Long-term

Provide education programs to raise awareness of climate risks and adaptation measures.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Lismore City Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 21 May 2026

Explore South Lismore Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is South Lismore in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in South Lismore 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 Lismore?

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

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 Lismore is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 18.3% of South Lismore in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 54.8% 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 Lismore Safe from Climate Risk?

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