Bushfire Risk in Gladstone, SA: 2026 Assessment

Gladstone, South Australia· UNKNOWN
The bushfire risk in Gladstone is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.Updated 18 May 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

4.0/10

The bushfire risk in Gladstone is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
The bushfire risk in Gladstone is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfires.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Gladstone, SA
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
5473
Highest high-risk exposure
16.5% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Gladstone, South Australia, has a the bushfire risk in gladstone is moderate, with surrounding bushland posing a threat during dry periods. climate change is projected 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 South Australia fire authority maps bushfire-prone areas and assigns BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings.

Areas adjacent to bushland are designated as 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 Gladstone, 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 Gladstone including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.

Gladstone sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 16.5% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 77% 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 Gladstone.

Gladstone (postcode 5473) 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 (16.5% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (6% of land in high-risk zones), extreme wind (5.3% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Gladstone — 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 BushlandAdjacent to bushland
BAL Overlay / ZoneRFS Bush Fire Prone Land Map
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2019
Moderate

Bushfires impacted areas near Gladstone, causing property damage and evacuations. The fires were fueled by dry conditions and strong winds.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve Drainage Infrastructure

Near-term

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

Est. cost: High

Bushfire Risk Management

Near-term

Implement bushfire risk reduction measures, such as fuel reduction and community education programs.

Est. cost: Medium

Heatwave Preparedness

Immediate

Develop and implement a heatwave preparedness plan to protect vulnerable populations.

Est. cost: Low

Coastal Protection

Long-term

Implement coastal protection measures to mitigate the impacts of sea level rise and erosion.

Est. cost: High

Community Awareness Programs

Near-term

Educate residents about climate risks and adaptation strategies.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

UNKNOWN
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 18 May 2026

Explore Gladstone Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Gladstone in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in Gladstone 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 Gladstone?

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

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 South Australia fire authority for property-specific guidance.

What share of Gladstone is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 16.5% of Gladstone in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 77% 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 Gladstone Safe from Climate Risk?

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