Bushfire Risk in Scarness, QLD: 2026 Assessment

Scarness, Queensland· UNKNOWN
The risk of bushfire in Scarness is relatively low due to its coastal location and limited vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the potential for grassfires.Updated 1 Apr 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

3.0/10

The risk of bushfire in Scarness is relatively low due to its coastal location and limited vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the potential for grassfires.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Scarness is relatively low due to its coastal location and limited vegetation. However, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the potential for grassfires.
Trend
stable
Suburb
Scarness, QLD
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
4655
Highest high-risk exposure
17.5% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Scarness, Queensland, has a the risk of bushfire in scarness is relatively low due to its coastal location and limited vegetation. however, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the potential for grassfires. 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.

While not a high-risk area, residents should maintain their properties to reduce potential fire hazards.

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

Scarness sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 17.5% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 59.8% 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 Scarness.

Scarness (postcode 4655) 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 (17.5% of land in high-risk zones), tropical cyclone (13.8% of land in high-risk zones), riverine flood (11.8% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Scarness — 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 Bushland2km to Dundowran Bushland
BAL Overlay / ZoneLimited bushfire overlay areas
Bushfire Prone AreaNo

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade stormwater drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce flood risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Implement Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Construct seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against sea level rise and storm surge.

Est. cost: High

Develop Heat Action Plan

Immediate

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

Est. cost: Low

Raise Awareness of Climate Risks

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation measures through workshops, brochures, and online resources.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Fraser Coast Regional Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 1 April 2026

Explore Scarness Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Scarness in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in Scarness 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 Scarness?

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

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 Scarness is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 17.5% of Scarness in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 59.8% 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 Scarness Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Scarness, 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