Bushfire Risk in Wongungarra, VIC: 2026 Assessment

Wongungarra, Victoria· Alpine
Wongungarra is located in a region with a high bushfire risk. The surrounding forests and dry vegetation create ideal conditions for bushfires, especially during hot and dry summers. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather.Updated 31 May 2026

Bushfire Risk Score

8.0/10

Wongungarra is located in a region with a high bushfire risk. The surrounding forests and dry vegetation create ideal conditions for bushfires, especially during hot and dry summers. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
Wongungarra is located in a region with a high bushfire risk. The surrounding forests and dry vegetation create ideal conditions for bushfires, especially during hot and dry summers. Climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity of bushfire weather.
Trend
increasing
Suburb
Wongungarra, VIC
Overall Risk
High
Postcode
3862
Highest high-risk exposure
8.9% of land (bushfire)

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Wongungarra, Victoria, has a wongungarra is located in a region with a high bushfire risk. the surrounding forests and dry vegetation create ideal conditions for bushfires, especially during hot and dry summers. climate change is projected to increase the frequency and intensity 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.

The area is designated as a bushfire-prone area due to the high fuel load and prevailing weather conditions.

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

Wongungarra sits within ClimateNest's suburb-level hazard model for bushfire risk. 8.9% of the suburb's land area is mapped in high-risk bushfire zones and 65.1% 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 Wongungarra.

Wongungarra (postcode 3862) 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 (8.9% of land in high-risk zones), surface flood (8.5% of land in high-risk zones), extreme wind (6.3% of land in high-risk zones). Exposure is not uniform across Wongungarra — 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 state forest
BAL Overlay / ZoneBushfire Management Overlay
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2019
Major

The 2019-2020 bushfires affected the region, leading to evacuations and property loss.

2003
Major

The 2003 Eastern Victorian alpine bushfires impacted the region, causing significant damage to forests and property.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Develop a community bushfire preparedness plan

Immediate

Create a plan that outlines evacuation routes, emergency contacts, and property protection measures.

Est. cost: Low

Improve drainage infrastructure to mitigate flood risk

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to handle increased rainfall intensity and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: Medium

Implement a heatwave response plan

Near-term

Establish cooling centers and provide support to vulnerable residents during heatwaves.

Est. cost: Low

Promote water conservation measures

Long-term

Encourage residents to conserve water to reduce the strain on water resources during dry periods.

Est. cost: Low

Undertake regular fuel reduction activities

Immediate

Reduce fuel loads around properties and in surrounding bushland to minimise bushfire risk.

Est. cost: Medium

Council & Emergency Services

Alpine Shire Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 31 May 2026

Explore Wongungarra Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Wongungarra in a bushfire prone area?

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

BAL ratings in Wongungarra 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 Wongungarra?

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

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 Wongungarra is exposed to high bushfire risk?

ClimateNest's hazard overlay maps 8.9% of Wongungarra in high-risk zones for bushfire, with a further 65.1% 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 Wongungarra Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Wongungarra, Victoria, 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