Bushfire Risk in Upper Gundowring, VIC: 2026 Assessment
Bushfire Risk Score
5.8/10Upper Gundowring has a moderate risk of bushfire due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfire weather.
Key Facts
- Bushfire Risk
- Upper Gundowring has a moderate risk of bushfire due to the surrounding bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfire weather.
- Trend
- increasing
- Suburb
- Upper Gundowring, VIC
- Overall Risk
- Medium
- Postcode
- 3691
- Highest high-risk exposure
- 21.6% of land (bushfire)
Bushfire Risk Analysis
Upper Gundowring, Victoria, has a upper gundowring has a moderate risk of bushfire due to the surrounding bushland. hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires. climate change is projected to increase the frequency and severity of bushfire weather. bushfire risk profile. Key factors include distance to classified bushland, vegetation type, slope, and historical bushfire activity in the region. The Victoria fire authority maps bushfire-prone areas and assigns BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings.
Check the CFA website for fire restrictions and warnings.
CSIRO research indicates climate change is extending fire seasons and increasing the number of severe fire weather days across southern and eastern Australia. For Upper Gundowring, 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 Upper Gundowring including BAL zone assessment, evacuation route mapping, and property-specific risk mitigation recommendations.
Upper Gundowring sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 21.6% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 67.1% 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 Upper Gundowring.
Upper Gundowring (postcode 3691) 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 (21.6% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (14.5% of land in high-risk zones), extreme wind (6.1% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Upper Gundowring — 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
Bushfires in the region caused smoky conditions and required residents to be prepared for evacuation.
The Black Saturday bushfires impacted the region, causing significant damage and loss of life.
Adaptation & Mitigation Actions
Improve Flood Defenses
Near-termInvest in infrastructure to mitigate flood risk, such as levees and improved drainage systems.
Est. cost: High
Bushfire Preparedness Programs
ImmediateImplement community education programs on bushfire preparedness and evacuation plans.
Est. cost: Medium
Heatwave Action Plan
Near-termDevelop a heatwave action plan to protect vulnerable populations during extreme heat events.
Est. cost: Low
Sustainable Land Management
Long-termPromote sustainable land management practices to reduce erosion and improve water quality.
Est. cost: Medium
Council & Emergency Services
Explore Upper Gundowring Risk Reports
View other climate risk assessments for Upper Gundowring:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Upper Gundowring in a bushfire prone area?
Parts of Upper Gundowring may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Upper Gundowring 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 Upper Gundowring?
BAL ratings in Upper Gundowring 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 Upper Gundowring?
Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Upper Gundowring 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 Upper Gundowring?
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 Victoria fire authority for property-specific guidance.
What share of Upper Gundowring is exposed to high bushfire risk?
ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 21.6% of Upper Gundowring in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 67.1% 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 Upper Gundowring Safe from Climate Risk?
Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Upper Gundowring, Victoria, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.
What A$69 could save you from
*Industry sources: ICA, APRA, RBA
Full report from A$69 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections