Bushfire Risk in Goolwa, SA: 2026 Assessment

Goolwa, South Australia· UNKNOWN
The risk of bushfire in Goolwa is moderate, with surrounding scrubland posing a potential threat during hot and dry conditions.Updated 2 Apr 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

4.0/10

The risk of bushfire in Goolwa is moderate, with surrounding scrubland posing a potential threat during hot and dry conditions.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
The risk of bushfire in Goolwa is moderate, with surrounding scrubland posing a potential threat during hot and dry conditions.
Trend
stable
Suburb
Goolwa, SA
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
5214
Highest high-risk exposure
17.3% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Goolwa, South Australia, has a the risk of bushfire in goolwa is moderate, with surrounding scrubland posing a potential threat during hot and dry conditions. 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.

Residents should maintain firebreaks and have a bushfire survival plan.

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

Goolwa sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 17.3% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 64.2% 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 Goolwa.

Goolwa (postcode 5214) 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 (17.3% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (9.2% of land in high-risk zones), extreme wind (3.9% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Goolwa — 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 scrubland areas.
BAL Overlay / ZoneCheck the CFS website for current bushfire overlays.
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2013
Minor

A bushfire near Goolwa threatened properties but was contained by firefighters.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Upgrade Flood Defenses

Near-term

Invest in infrastructure to protect low-lying areas from flooding, such as levees, seawalls, and improved drainage systems.

Est. cost: High

Develop a Heat Action Plan

Immediate

Implement a comprehensive plan to protect vulnerable populations during heatwaves, including cooling centers, public awareness campaigns, and early warning systems.

Est. cost: Medium

Strengthen Bushfire Management

Near-term

Enhance bushfire prevention and preparedness measures, such as fuel reduction, community education, and improved firefighting capabilities.

Est. cost: Medium

Implement Coastal Protection Measures

Long-term

Protect coastal areas from erosion and inundation through measures such as beach nourishment, dune stabilization, and managed retreat.

Est. cost: High

Promote Water Conservation

Near-term

Encourage water conservation practices to mitigate the impacts of drought and water scarcity.

Est. cost: Low

Council & Emergency Services

Alexandrina Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 2 April 2026

Explore Goolwa Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Goolwa in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in Goolwa 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 Goolwa?

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

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 Goolwa is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 17.3% of Goolwa in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 64.2% 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 Goolwa Safe from Climate Risk?

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