New resilience hub helps Mallabula prepare for increasing extreme weather risks
Designed to support the community during prolonged disruptions, when severe weather can impact power, telecommunications and transport at the same time, Ausgrid has invested in a solar and battery back-up system, Starlink satellite communications and a dedicated emergency information screen for the hub.
Informed by community feedback and lived experience, local residents helped identify the need for the hub and shape its design, ensuring it addresses the unique challenges faced by the Tilligerry Peninsula.
Ausgrid Group Executive Network & Digital Junayd Hollis said the project demonstrated the value of communities, councils and network providers working together to strengthen resilience.
“This project shows what's possible when a community, local council and network provider come together to prepare for the challenges that extreme weather can bring. During an outage, the Mallabula Community Resilience Hub will provide access to information, communications and support, while helping residents better prepare for and respond to emergencies,” Mr Hollis said.
Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson said the hub would provide an important community resource during emergencies.
“The Tilligerry Peninsula's geographical location means it is particularly vulnerable during severe weather events. This resilience hub will help keep our community connected, informed and supported during emergencies while improving preparedness for future events,” Mayor Anderson said.
The project forms part of Ausgrid’s Climate Resilience Program, which combines community resilience initiatives with targeted network investments, including covered conductors, bushfire-resistant pole wraps and automated restoration technology, to reduce the impacts of extreme weather and improve network resilience.
Ausgrid has partnered on similar initiatives which are already demonstrating their value, with the Yarramalong Community Resilience Hub remaining operational during severe weather-related outages in January 2026. As Ausgrid plans future resilience investments with customers, it will draw on the outcomes and learnings from projects such as Yarramalong and Mallabula to help strengthen community resilience.
Find out more about Ausgrid’s community engagement initiatives.