In a major win for connectivity and economic growth, Sunshine Coast Council will partner with Google, NEXTDC and others on Australia Connect, an initiative to further the reach, reliability and resilience of digital connectivity in Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
Australia Connect will deliver new subsea cable systems and build on the Pacific Connect initiative.
Sunshine Coast, NEXTDC and Google will partner on developing 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 in Maroochydore, Sunshine Coast, in 2025, the project and will offer enhanced cable connectivity with faster, more resilient internet infrastructure for businesses in previously unconnected markets.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the initiative was an outstanding win for the region and the benefits extended far beyond just improved connectivity.
"Australia's entire digital landscape is changing thanks to the vision of the Sunshine Coast community," Mayor Natoli 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.
"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."
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," Mayor Natoli 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 longstanding partner with Sunshine Coast Council and Google, collaborating to establish key cable landing facilities within our 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," Mr Scroggie 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," Mr Quigley said.
