The bushfire season is fast-approaching, a new online tool is helping City of Clarence and its residents manage the risk and keep our community safe.
The 2025 Greater Hobart Bushfire Exposure Index (the Index) was launched in September by the Hobart, Kingborough, Derwent Valley and Clarence councils.
The tool, produced by Geoneon, uses satellite vegetation mapping, and other data, to assign a moderate to severe bushfire risk rating to properties in Clarence and across greater Hobart.
Anyone can use the tool to check the bushfire risk to their home.
City of Clarence Mayor Brendan Blomeley said the Index allows councils to prepare for bushfires and prevent human fatality.
“We manage over 762 hectares of bushland across our region, including 18 reserves. With 78 per cent of our city identified as bushfire prone, reducing bushfire risk and community safety are a top priority,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“The Index is helping us implement our Bushfire Mitigation Strategy and 18 separate bushfire mitigation plans.
“It is informing our hazard management and allowing us to prioritise tasks to better manage the bushfire risk across our regions and protect community infrastructure, cultural values, the environment, our economy, and ultimately, human life.”
Mayor Blomeley said it was important for individuals in the community to also understand the bushfire dangers and take appropriate action.
“Many people are not as aware of the bushfire risks as we may hope. This tool helps us understand the extent of the dangers in our suburbs.
“For example, the Index shows residential properties in Bellerive, Lindisfarne and Howrah, which sit close to urban and commercial centres, as having a moderately to extremely high bushfire risk.
“This tool helps us raise community awareness about those risks, empowering communities to take preparatory action in their own backyards.”
Bushfire preparation work is already underway across Clarence.
Mayor Blomeley said this included vegetation removal, and planning for the spring burn roster.
“We’re working closely with Tasmanian Fire Service, Parks and Wildlife Service and private land holders to reduce high-risk areas such as Meehan Range, Mt Rumney, Glebe Hills and Rokeby Hills,” Mayor Blomeley said.
“At the same time our dedicated slashing and maintenance crews are working across the city, preparing fire trails and removing excess vegetation.”