Sunshine Coast Mayor Mark Jamieson, Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick have opened a new $7.2m international submarine cable landing station on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

The new facility is a vital piece of infrastructure in a project that will provide another data path in and out of Australia for industry and will come into service by mid-2020.

It is expected to provide significant economic benefits for both the Sunshine Coast and Queensland.

Mayor Jamieson said the cable will significantly boost the Sunshine Coast’s reputation as a sought-after investment location for global businesses.

“When completed, this network will provide direct international data and telecommunications from the Sunshine Coast – the only location in Australia outside of Sydney and Perth to provide this direct international connectivity. It will help to position the region as Australia’s first Digital Trade Hub,” Mayor Jamieson said.

The international broadband network will support the Internet of Things era and smart city developments, where reliable connectivity will be paramount to all aspects of our daily lives.

The international cable network is one of a number of region-shaping projects, including Australia’s newest international airport - with capability to accommodate direct flights from Asia - and a new city centre that is already attracting interest from a range of commercial companies and international hotel operators.

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