The Sunshine Coast is set to be a new landing point for a high-tech subsea cable system that will pipe the highest possible volume of data from the United States, Australia and Asia.
The Australia Connect project, unveiled by Google Cloud and its partners on Tuesday, is designed to plug the Pacific more securely into the internet.
As part of the project, the Sunshine Coast, NEXTDC and Google will develop a new landing point in Australia for the Tabua trans-Pacific subsea cable that will connect the United States and Australia to Fiji.
This is predicted to land at NEXTDC’s SC1 Data Centre at Maroochydore in 2025.
A connection between subsea landing points in Darwin and the Sunshine Coast via an existing land-based cable will help form a key transit route between South East Asia and the United States. The project also includes the Bosun subsea cable to connect Darwin to Christmas Island, which has onward connectivity to Singapore, and a new interlink cable between Melbourne, Perth and Christmas Island. In Melbourne, the interlink cable will connect to the existing Honomoana cable system, creating a new interconnection point for the US and Asia.
The project will offer enhanced cable connectivity with faster, more resilient internet infrastructure for businesses in previously unconnected markets.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said the project was a win for the region and the benefits extended beyond just improved connectivity.
“Australia’s entire digital landscape is changing thanks to the vision of the Sunshine Coast community,” she said.
“Creating a point of difference by investing in digital infrastructure is helping to develop a thriving, tech-enabled future.
“We are excited to partner with Google and NEXTDC on this project, to help improve digital resilience across the country and the new Pacific.
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“The additional cable complements a range of existing technology capabilities including WIFI 6 and will be strategically located in the 100 per cent uptime Tier III facility owned and operated by NEXTDC.
“This project builds on the significant progress being made to establish Maroochydore city centre as one of Australia’s fastest-growing innovation hubs.”
Cr Natoli said the city centre was an ideal investment destination for both international and Australian-based businesses.
“It offers excellent domestic and international connectivity through both the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane airports and premium A-grade offices being delivered as part of Sunshine Coast Council’s $2.5 billion agreement with Walker Corporation,” she said.
“Maroochydore City Centre also offers a highly skilled workforce in key targeted economies such as the digital economy, world class schooling options, an enviable lifestyle and a council committed to partnering with businesses to grow the regional economy.
“The initiative also cements the Sunshine Coast’s position as a prime location for technology-related investments in Australia following council’s multiple gold awards received from the International Economic Development Council in the United States.
“The Tabua subsea cable system will enhance our region’s already enviable digital infrastructure, making it even more attractive to international businesses and investors who are already viewing the region with interest.”
Mayor Natoli said the system was a welcome addition to the existing Sunshine Coast’s International Broadband Network, which provides the fastest international connection point from Australia’s east coast to Asia.
“For the Sunshine Coast to be chosen for this investment is clear evidence that we have a reputation as a leading player in the Asia-Pacific technology environment,” she said.
“The Tabua subsea cable system will play a crucial role in continuing to shape the Sunshine Coast’s future, ensuring the region is a burgeoning investment destination of choice for technological connectivity, advancements and economic prosperity.”
NEXTDC managing director and CEO Craig Scroggie said NEXTDC was proud to be a partner with Sunshine Coast Council and Google, collaborating to establish key cable landing facilities within the Sunshine Coast Data Centre and across Australia’s digital infrastructure.
“We’re thrilled to expand this strategic partnership with Sunshine Coast Council and Google in support of the Australia Connect initiative, enhancing Australia’s internet connectivity and delivering faster, more secure and reliable digital services,” he said.
“This initiative strengthens the Sunshine Coast’s position as a hub for investment and further fortifies Australia’s digital economy.”
Google Cloud Global Network Infrastructure vice-president Brian Quigley said Google was pleased to collaborate with Sunshine Coast Council to bring a new landing for the Tabua subsea cable in eastern Australia.
“This project will help increase the reliability and resilience of digital connectivity in the Indo-Pacific by improving reliability, adding capacity and reducing latency,” he said.
