Over 90,000 buildings and structures in SA most at risk of bushfires, new data reveals

New figures reveal tens of thousands more buildings will soon be rated as “high risk” in bushfires, with big implications for insurance premiums. See where the danger zones are.

More than 90,000 extra buildings across the state will be in high risk bushfire areas, new data reveals, as millions more hectares of land are brought into the danger zone.

Analytics firm PointData’s report on figures behind the State Planning Commission’s latest bushfire hazard code reveal 91,000 more significant buildings across 3.5m hectares will soon be considered at high risk of major blazes.

It will leave 1 in 10 structures in the high risk category, according to PointData.

A water bomber over Gorge Road at Montacute in the Adelaide Hills in January 2023. Picture: Dean Martin

The Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island, Mount Barker, Mitcham and Victor Harbor regions were in the most danger, the figures suggest.

Four out of five buildings in the Adelaide Hills Council area have been marked at high risk, while 91 per cent of its land area is rated as at-risk.

Kangaroos Island was marked as the second worst.

PointData founder and CEO, George Giannakodakis said upgrading the fire danger areas would help property owners better prepare for “the devastating consequences” seen in previous bushfire seasons.

Water planes and Helicopters battle the bushfire at Montacute in the Adelaide Hills, seen from the Lower North Road, Highbury, SA. Picture Emma Brasier

“It will enable homeowners and insurers to ensure adequate planning and understanding of the risk on properties and buildings which is crucial to mitigating the potential financial impact of major events,” Mr Giannakodakis said.

The Adelaide Hills foothills seen from the air, looking over the Campbelltown Council area. Picture: Supplied

The five LGA’s with significant buildings and structures at ‘high’ risk of bushfires include Adelaide Hills, Kangaroo Island, Mount Barker, Yankalilla and Mitcham.

Mitcham would see an extra 4587 buildings declared at risk, followed by the Barossa with 3461 and Mid Murray with 2726.

However, about 5000 buildings in the Onkaparinga area would see their risk rating downgraded, as well as Campbelltown and Mount Barker, with a total 11 LGAs seeing ‘high’ risk rating reductions.

The proposed planning code amendment removes the ‘regional’ risk category and regrouped some of the ‘medium’ and ‘high’ risk areas, leading to an increase in areas classified as ‘high’ risk.

The statewide bushfire Hazards Overlay Code Amendment is open for public consultation until March 8, and is expected to go live in the second half of 2024.

The bushfire risk is marked by five categories including ‘high’, ‘medium’, ‘general’, ‘urban-interface’ and ‘outback’.

LGA’S MOST AT RISK OF BUSHFIRES

LGA’s proposed area at ‘high’ bushfire risk

1. Adelaide Hills: 91%, up 24%

2. Kangaroo Island: 74%, up 27%

3. Mount Barker: 71%, up 23%

4. Mitcham: 70%, up 13%

5. Victor Harbour: 64%, up 19%

LGA’s with buildings and structures at proposed high risk

1. Adelaide Hills: 83%, up 33%

2. Kangaroo Island: 53%, up 34%

3. Mount Barker: 42%, up 1%

4. Yankalilla: 40%, up 10%

5. Mitcham: 36%, up 18%