Bushfire Risk in Surfside, NSW: 2026 Assessment
Bushfire Risk Score
4.0/10Surfside has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Key Facts
- Bushfire Risk
- Surfside has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. Hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
- Trend
- increasing
- Suburb
- Surfside, NSW
- Overall Risk
- Medium
- Postcode
- 2536
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 11.3% of land (riverine flood)
Bushfire Risk Analysis
Surfside, New South Wales, has a surfside has a moderate bushfire risk due to surrounding vegetation. hotter, drier conditions are expected to increase the frequency and intensity 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.
Properties adjacent to bushland are at higher risk during bushfire 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 Surfside, 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 Surfside including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.
Surfside sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 7.8% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 66% 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 Surfside.
Surfside (postcode 2536) 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 riverine flood (11.3% of land in high-risk zones), bushfire (7.8% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (7.2% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Surfside — 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
Bushfires threatened properties in the region, requiring evacuations.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve Drainage Infrastructure
Near-termUpgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.
Est. cost: High
Bushfire Mitigation Measures
Near-termImplement bushfire mitigation measures, such as vegetation management and fire breaks, to protect properties.
Est. cost: Medium
Heatwave Preparedness Plan
ImmediateDevelop a heatwave preparedness plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Coastal Protection Measures
Long-termImplement coastal protection measures, such as seawalls and beach nourishment, to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and coastal erosion.
Est. cost: Very High
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Surfside Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Surfside:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfside in a bushfire prone area?
Parts of Surfside may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Surfside 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 Surfside?
BAL ratings in Surfside 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 Surfside?
Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Surfside 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 Surfside?
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 Surfside is exposed to high riverine flood risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 11.3% of Surfside in high-risk zones for riverine flood, with a further 61.8% 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 Surfside Safe from Climate Risk?
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