Underground bunker is secret weapon to protecting Sydney power supply

It’s the electricity hub that powers the city.

And for the first time, 9NEWS has been given exclusive access into Transgrid’s underground bunker that is so secretive, we cannot reveal its exact location.

Built below the ground to protect it from natural disasters and from terrorism, if something goes wrong Sydney can still turn the lights on.

It’s one example of how critical infrastructure needs to be built to withstand cybersecurity attacks, terrorist threats and disasters like storms, floods and fires.

"This facility can take the entire output of one of the major power stations in Australia," Transgrid chief executive Paul Italiano said.

A new strategy being launched today by Emergency Services Minister Troy Grant aims to fortify critical infrastructure around the state.

“These threats must be managed through an all-hazard, collaborative approach to ensure the safety, security and resilience of our community,” Mr Grant said.

Natural disasters alone cost the state approximately $3.2 billion every year, which is expected to rise to $10.6 billion by 2050.

“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,” Mr Grant said.

Apart from terrorist attacks, the plan aims to strengthen infrastructure such as public transport so that in the event of a natural disaster, delays to commuters are minimised.