The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) recently highlighted Geoneon’s work on the 2024 Greater Hobart Bushfire Exposure Index. In its latest article, NEMA recognised the Index’s role in helping Tasmanian communities enhance their resilience and preparedness against the growing threat of bushfires. We at Geoneon are delighted to see this recognition of our efforts to keep Tasmanians safe.
Building on Our 2024 Greater Hobart Bushfire Exposure Report
The 2024 Greater Hobart Bushfire Exposure Report is part of Geoneon’s broader “Anticipate and Monitor the Impact of Bushfires in Greater Hobart” project. This initiative, funded by NEMA through the Preparing Australian Communities – Local programme, started in May 2022 and will run until May 2025. While it began as a collaboration with Hobart, Glenorchy, and Kingborough, the project has since expanded to include Brighton, Clarence, and Sorell—areas that are facing increased risks from extended fire seasons and a rise in extreme fire danger days.
Why This Matters
- Data-Driven Preparedness
Our work leverages advanced AI, satellite imagery, and geospatial analysis to assess how exposed over 94,000 buildings are to bushfires in 132 Hobart suburbs. By identifying places most at risk, local governments and residents can tailor preparedness strategies for each unique area. - Collaboration Across Councils
The collective efforts of Hobart, Kingborough, Clarence, Glenorchy, Brighton, and Sorell councils underscore the importance of unified action against the escalating threat of bushfires. - Community Empowerment
The Index equips community members and decision-makers with essential data to inform everything from property risk assessments to large-scale mitigation measures—ensuring everyone has the knowledge to make safer choices.
Snapshot of Our Latest Findings
- Overall Exposure
Of the 94,000 buildings assessed, around 4.5% fall within higher exposure categories (ranging from “Moderately High” to “Extremely High”). While 4.5% may sound small, it still equates to 4,225 buildings where bushfire risk is significantly elevated.
Table 1: This table summarises the total number and percentage of buildings in the Greater Hobart area that fall into each exposure category (7-10), ranging from “Moderately High” to “Extremely High.”
- Council-by-Council Overview
- Kingborough leads the way, with 1,727 buildings in the higher exposure categories, followed by Hobart with 1,205, and Clarence with 751.
- Glenorchy, Sorell, and Brighton also have substantial numbers of at-risk buildings, though at lower overall percentages.
Table 2: Breakdown of buildings exposed to bushfires by Local Government Area (LGA) and their Bushfire Exposure Index category.
- Suburb-Level Insights
- Sandford (Clarence) and Mount Nelson (Hobart) each have a notably high count of at-risk buildings.
- Fern Tree (Hobart) sits near the top in both percentage (85%) and total number (267) of exposed buildings, confirming its status as a key area for bushfire preparedness efforts.
Table 3: Top 10 suburbs in Greater Hobart with the highest number of buildings exposed to bushfires (categories 7-10).
Table 4: Suburbs with the highest percentage of buildings exposed to bushfires (categories 7-10).
- Focus on Proximity
Research confirms that building destruction risk increases significantly when in close proximity to vegetation. Our data validates this, reinforcing the need for well-informed hazard assessments and ongoing vegetation management.
How the Index Helps
- Targeted Mitigation
Councils can direct resources more efficiently to suburbs identified as having higher exposure, implementing focused initiatives like controlled burns, improved firebreaks, and public education campaigns. - Community Engagement
Residents gain real-time insights into their individual bushfire exposure levels, prompting better-prepared households and encouraging local dialogue on risk reduction. - Long-Term Resilience
With climate change driving hotter and drier conditions, investing in data-driven solutions like the Bushfire Exposure Index helps future-proof infrastructure and reduce bushfire impacts over time.
Looking Ahead
As NEMA’s recent article emphasises, the 2024 Greater Hobart Bushfire Exposure Index offers practical, actionable insights for Tasmanian communities. From Kingborough’s suburban outskirts to Fern Tree’s bushland surrounds, our Index pinpoints where attention and resources are most urgently needed.
This report is just one step towards a safer future. Through continued collaboration with Hobart, Kingborough, Clarence, Glenorchy, Brighton, and Sorell councils, as well as with local residents, we can foster a stronger, more cohesive response to bushfire risks. We are grateful to NEMA for recognising our progress and look forward to building an ever more resilient Tasmania.
About Geoneon
Geoneon is an innovative technology firm, leveraging AI and Earth Observation to turn complex geospatial data into actionable climate risk insights. We serve both public and private entities—including local councils, utility providers, insurance firms, and beyond—helping them manage risks posed by natural hazards in a fast-changing climate.
For more details on the 2024 Greater Hobart Bushfire Exposure Index and how Geoneon is helping Tasmanian communities prepare for future bushfire seasons, visit hobart.geoneon.com.
Disclaimer: The insights provided here are intended for general guidance and should not substitute professional advice. Geoneon does not bear responsibility for any decisions made based on this information.
