Bushfire Risk in Lake Illawarra, NSW: 2026 Assessment

Lake Illawarra, New South Wales· UNKNOWN
Lake Illawarra faces a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires spreading to residential areas.Updated 25 May 2026

Is Lake Illawarra Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Lake Illawarra, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

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What A$49 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$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections

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Bushfire Risk Score

Not assessed

Lake Illawarra faces a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires spreading to residential areas.

Key Facts

Bushfire Risk
Lake Illawarra faces a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. Hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires spreading to residential areas.
Trend
stable
Suburb
Lake Illawarra, NSW
Overall Risk
Medium
Postcode
2528

Bushfire Risk Analysis

Lake Illawarra, New South Wales, has a lake illawarra faces a moderate bushfire risk due to the presence of nearby bushland. hot, dry conditions and strong winds can increase the likelihood of bushfires spreading to residential areas. bushfire risk profile. Key factors include distance to classified bushland, vegetation type, slope, and historical bushfire activity in the region. The New South Wales fire authority maps bushfire-prone areas and assigns BAL (Bushfire Attack Level) ratings.

Areas adjacent to the escarpment are designated as bushfire prone, requiring specific building standards for new constructions.

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

ClimateNest assesses hazards at the address rather than the suburb, because exposure varies street by street within Lake Illawarra. An address-level check is what tells you about a specific property before you buy, sell or insure it.

Local Hazard Evidence

Distance to BushlandWithin 1km of bushland
BAL Overlay / ZoneRFS Bushfire Prone Land
Bushfire Prone AreaYes

Historical Events

2013
Minor

Bushfires in the nearby Royal National Park caused smoke haze and increased fire risk in Lake Illawarra.

Adaptation & Mitigation Actions

Improve drainage infrastructure

Near-term

Upgrade drainage systems to better manage stormwater runoff and reduce the risk of flooding.

Est. cost: High

Strengthen coastal defenses

Long-term

Construct seawalls and other coastal defenses to protect against erosion and inundation.

Est. cost: Very High

Implement heatwave early warning system

Immediate

Develop a system to alert residents to impending heatwaves and provide advice on how to stay safe.

Est. cost: Low

Raise community awareness

Near-term

Educate residents about climate change risks and how to prepare for extreme weather events.

Est. cost: Low

Bushfire mitigation

Near-term

Undertake regular bushfire risk reduction activities such as controlled burns and vegetation management.

Est. cost: Medium

Council & Emergency Services

Wollongong City Council
Emergency Services

Data last updated: 25 May 2026

Explore Lake Illawarra Risk Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lake Illawarra in a bushfire prone area?

Parts of Lake Illawarra may be designated as bushfire prone land. Based on available data, Lake Illawarra has a location-specific bushfire risk. Check your specific property for BAL ratings through ClimateNest or your local council.

What BAL rating applies to properties in Lake Illawarra?

BAL ratings in Lake Illawarra 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 Lake Illawarra?

Yes, properties in bushfire-prone parts of Lake Illawarra 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 Lake Illawarra?

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 New South Wales fire authority for property-specific guidance.

Is Lake Illawarra Safe from Climate Risk?

Enter your address below for an instant climate risk assessment for Lake Illawarra, New South Wales, covering flood, bushfire, sea level rise and more.

Free instant previewCSIRO-powered data

What A$49 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$49 · Australian addresses only · 8 hazard scores · Insurance trajectory · 2030 & 2050 projections