The Albanese Government is reminding Australians to continue to remain vigilant and have plans and preparations for fire and weather events this autumn.
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Autumn 2025 released by the National Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) using the collective expertise of fire services across Australia and the Bureau of Meteorology, has identified heightened and increased risk of fire in throughout parts of the country including:
- South Australia: northwest and southern coastal regions
- Western Australia: the Nullabor, Mallee, Esperance Plains, Mardabilla regions, south-eastern part of Southwest Land Division, Lesueur Sandplains, and northern Swan Coastal Plain Bioregions
- Victoria: western and central parts including south and west Gippsland in early autumn
The Bureau of Meteorology outlook indicates that above average autumn rainfall is likely for the far north of Australia, including the northern Kimberley, the northern half of the Northern Territory and far northern Queensland. In addition to the fire and rainfall outlook, the north of the country is in cyclone season. The Bureau is tracking the progress of Cyclone Alfred which is currently off-shore in the Coral Sea and whose future path remains uncertain.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister
"As we head into autumn, Australians should remain alert, prepared and ensure you're ready to act, in case of a severe weather event.
"The Albanese Government continues its work with all levels of government, as we enter the final phase of the High-Risk Weather Season.
"This season has seen significant fires in many parts of the country and severe flooding in Far North and North Queensland.
"The threat of more emergencies remains possible, and Australians must stay ready.
"This autumn it remains important to understand the local risks and stay up to date with emergency information from local authorities," said Minister McAllister.
Quotes attributable to National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Deputy Coordinator General Joe Buffone
"As a nation we remain prepared - NEMA will continue its hard work collaborating with all levels of government as well as the private sector to ensure we are as prepared as possible to manage the impacts of any severe weather event during autumn and support communities.
"The release of the autumn fire outlook is a timely reminder for all Australians that the threat of disaster is always there as the Australian Government and NEMA will continue to lead national coordination initiatives.
Additional Background Information
Mean temperatures from August 2024 to January 2025 were very much above average for almost all areas, with the national area averaged mean temperature for this period being the highest on record since observations began in 1910.
Temperatures are likely to very likely to be above average across most areas, with an increased chance of unusually high maximum temperatures for most of Australia south of the tropics. There is an increased chance of unusually high minimum temperatures nationwide.
