Maroochydore will be the landing point for a new subsea data cable, improving connectivity for Australia and the Indo-Pacific region.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Council would partner with Google, NEXTDC and other industry players to develop the new landing point in Australia for the Tabua trans-Pacific subsea cable, connecting the United States and Australia to Fiji.
To be delivered under a new Australia Connect initiative, Mayor Natoli said the project would build on the Pacific Connect initiative and complement the Japan-Guam-Australia South (JGA-S) cable which also has a landing point in Maroochydore.
She said it was expected the new cable would land at NEXTDC’s SC1 data centre in Maroochydore in 2025, offering enhanced cable connectivity with faster, more resilient internet infrastructure for businesses in previously unconnected markets.
“The initiative is an outstanding win for the region and the benefits extend far beyond just improved connectivity.”
Mayor Natoli said creating a point of difference by investing in digital infrastructure was helping to develop a thriving, tech-enabled future.
“The additional cable complements a range of existing technology capabilities including WIFI 6 and will be strategically located in the 100 percent 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.”
Mayor Natoli said Maroochydore 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.
“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.”
Mayor Natoli said the Tabua subsea cable system would enhance the region’s digital infrastructure, making it more attractive to international businesses and investors.
She said the system was an addition to the Sunshine Coast’s International Broadband Network which provided 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 the initiative strengthened the Sunshine Coast’s position as a hub for investment and further fortified Australia’s digital economy.
Google Cloud Global Network Infrastructure Vice-President Brian Quigley said the project would help increase the reliability and resilience of digital connectivity in the Indo-Pacific by improving reliability, adding capacity and reducing latency.
