The CIRS will deliver numerous benefits to the people and businesses of NSW:
- Greater ability for critical services to continue operating
- Better emergency management
- Lower reconstruction costs
- Enhanced public warning messages and community preparedness
- Better long-term adaptation to climate change and population.
Critical infrastructure includes water, food, electricity, telecommunications, transport and health that support the NSW community each day.
Natural disasters alone cost the state approximately $3.6 billion every year, which is expected to rise to $10.6 billion by 2050.
Minister for Police and Emergency Services Troy Grant said risks to critical infrastructure come from natural disasters such as bush fires, storms and floods, but increasingly also from threats of cyberattack and terrorism.
"These threats must be managed through an all-hazard, collaborative approach to ensure the safety, security and resilience of our community," Mr Grant said.
"The work we all do before an emergency or disaster helps save lives, protects property, and prepares communities for those challenging times during and immediately after a disaster."
