Bushfire Risk in Gordonvale, QLD: 2026 Assessment

Gordonvale, Queensland· UNKNOWN
Areas surrounding Gordonvale have a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of bushland. Hotter and drier conditions due to climate change are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.Updated 17 Mar 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

4.2/10

Areas surrounding Gordonvale have a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of bushland. Hotter and drier conditions due to climate change are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
Areas surrounding Gordonvale have a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of bushland. Hotter and drier conditions due to climate change are expected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Gordonvale, QLD
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
4865
Highest high-risk exposure
13.1% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Gordonvale, Queensland, has a areas surrounding gordonvale have a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of bushland. hotter and drier conditions due to climate change 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 Queensland fire authority maps bushfire-prone areas and assigns BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings.

Properties bordering bushland require adequate firebreaks and defensible space.

CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For Gordonvale, 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 Gordonvale including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.

Gordonvale sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 13.1% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 78.9% 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 Gordonvale.

Gordonvale (postcode 4865) 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 (13.1% of land in high-risk zones), tropical cyclone (9.9% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (8.5% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Gordonvale — 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 of significant bushland areas.
BAL Overlay / ZoneRefer to the Queensland Bushfire Prone Area map.
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Immediate

Invest in infrastructure to protect properties from flooding, such as levees and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Implement Heat Action Plan

Near-term

Develop a plan to protect vulnerable residents during heatwaves, including cooling centers and community outreach programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Bushfire Risk Mitigation

Near-term

Implement measures to reduce bushfire risk, such as controlled burns and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Community Awareness Programs

Long-term

Educate residents about climate risks and how to prepare for and respond to extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Cairns Regional Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 17 March 2026

Explore Gordonvale Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gordonvale in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in Gordonvale 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 Gordonvale?

Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Gordonvale 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 Gordonvale?

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 Queensland fire authority for property-specific guidance.

What share of Gordonvale is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 13.1% of Gordonvale in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 78.9% 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 Gordonvale Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Gordonvale, Queensland, 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