Bushfire Risk in The Freshwater, NSW: 2026 Assessment
Bushfire Risk Score
4.2/10The Freshwater has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
Key Facts
- Bushfire Risk
- The Freshwater has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires.
- Trend
- stable
- Suburb
- The Freshwater, NSW
- Overall Risk
- Medium
- Postcode
- 2466
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 21.5% of land (bushfire)
Bushfire Risk Analysis
The Freshwater, New South Wales, has a the freshwater has a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. hot, dry conditions and strong winds can 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 adjacent to Garigal National Park are considered 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 The Freshwater, 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 The Freshwater including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.
The Freshwater sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 21.5% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 62.5% 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 The Freshwater.
The Freshwater (postcode 2466) 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 (21.5% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (12.3% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (4.7% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across The Freshwater — 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
A small bushfire broke out near Garigal National Park, but was quickly contained.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve stormwater drainage
Near-termUpgrade stormwater infrastructure to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flash flooding.
Est. cost: Medium
Protect coastal ecosystems
Near-termRestore and protect coastal ecosystems such as mangroves and dunes to provide natural protection against coastal erosion and storm surges.
Est. cost: Medium
Implement heatwave early warning system
ImmediateDevelop and implement a heatwave early warning system to alert residents of impending heatwaves and provide guidance on how to stay safe.
Est. cost: Low
Raise awareness of climate risks
Long-termEducate residents about the risks of climate change and how to prepare for extreme weather events.
Est. cost: Low
Strengthen building codes
Long-termUpdate building codes to ensure that new buildings are more resilient to climate change impacts, such as flooding and heatwaves.
Est. cost: Medium
Council & Emergency Services
Explore The Freshwater Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for The Freshwater:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Freshwater in a bushfire prone area?
Parts of The Freshwater may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, The Freshwater 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 The Freshwater?
BAL ratings in The Freshwater 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 The Freshwater?
Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of The Freshwater 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 The Freshwater?
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 The Freshwater is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 21.5% of The Freshwater in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 62.5% 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 The Freshwater Safe from Climate Risk?
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