Infrastructure failure hazard
Infrastructure failure hazard in the Cessnock LGA
Critical infrastructure keeps our communities running, from electricity, water and telecommunications to transport, food supply and health care. Most of the time, these systems are reliable – but when something goes wrong, the impact can be widespread, sudden, and serious.
Disruptions to infrastructure can happen as a result of natural hazards, accidents, technical faults, or even cyber-attacks. In a changing climate with more frequent severe weather events and growing digital threats, the risk of infrastructure failure is increasing across New South Wales, including in Cessnock.
What is infrastructure failure?
Infrastructure failure refers to the breakdown or interruption of essential services such as:
- Electricity and energy supply
- Water and wastewater systems
- Telecommunications and internet
- Roads and public transport
- Health systems and emergency services
- Food distribution and supply chains
These systems are often interdependent - a failure in one area (like power) can trigger problems in others (such as communications or water treatment).Infrastructure failure refers to the breakdown or interruption of essential services such as:
- Electricity and energy supply
- Water and wastewater systems
- Telecommunications and internet
- Roads and public transport
- Health systems and emergency services
- Food distribution and supply chains
These systems are often interdependent - a failure in one area (like power) can trigger problems in others (such as communications or water treatment).
Why it matters
When infrastructure fails, it can:
- Affect your ability to heat or cool your home
- Disrupt access to health care, food, or clean water
- Impact emergency communications or public safety alerts
- Cause delays or hazards on roads and transport networks
- Create stress and uncertainty for individuals and communities
- The effects may be short-term or prolonged, depending on the cause and scale of the failure.
Know your risk
You can reduce your vulnerability to infrastructure failure by understanding:
- Which services your household or business relies on
- How long you could manage without them
- What backup options you have (e.g. battery packs, solar, radio, fuel, water storage)
Disruptions often occur alongside or as a result of other hazards such as bushfires, floods, storms, or heatwaves. Infrastructure failures may also occur without warning due to equipment breakdown, cyber-attack, or operator error.
Preparing for infrastructure failure
Here are a few simple steps to help you prepare:
- Keep your emergency kit stocked, including water, torch, batteries, radio, power bank and essential medications
- Have a back-up communication plan in case mobile networks or the internet go down
- Know how to access official updates (view key contacts and organisations)
- Store some non-perishable food and water at home
- If you rely on powered medical equipment, speak to your provider about emergency options
- Identify local resources (e.g. neighbours, support networks, community centres) that could assist in a disruption
- Create your Person-Centred Emergency Preparedness Plan
Council's role
Cessnock City Council works closely with infrastructure providers, emergency services and state agencies to support critical services and assist in recovery when disruptions occur. During widespread events, Council helps share official information, coordinates local responses, and supports vulnerable community members where possible.