Sunshine Coast to play key role in connecting Australia

Sunshine Coast Council is partnering with Google and NEXTDC, among others, on an initiative to further the reach, reliability and resilience of digital connectivity in Australia and the Indo-Pacific.

The Australia Connect project will deliver new subsea cable systems and build on the existing Pacific Connect initiative.

Sunshine Coast, NEXTDC and Google will work together on developing a new Australian landing point for the Tabua trans-Pacific subsea cable, which will connect the United States and Australia to Fiji.

The landing point, to be located at NEXTDC’s SC1 data centre in Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast, is expected to be completed in 2025, offering enhanced cable connectivity with faster, more resilient internet infrastructure for businesses in previously unconnected markets.

Inside NEXTDC’s SC1 data centre in Maroochydore.

Describing Maroochydore City Centre as one of Australia’s fastest growing innovation hubs, Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the initiative was an outstanding win for the region, with the benefits extending far beyond 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.”

Natoli said the system was a welcome addition to the existing Sunshine Coast 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 longstanding partner with Sunshine Coast Council and Google, collaborating to establish key cable landing facilities within NEXTDC’s 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,” Scroggie said.

“This initiative strengthens the Sunshine Coast’s position as a hub for investment and further fortifies Australia’s digital economy.”

Top image caption: NEXTDC’s SC1 data centre in Maroochydore. Images courtesy of Sunshine Coast Council.