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Updated 1 July 2026 | SUBCO
Community - Bernacchi-1
Bernacchi-1
Bellbuoy Beach Cable Landing
Updated 4 November 2026 | SUBCO
The Bernacchi-1 project at Bellbuoy Beach spans planning, design approvals, installation and commissioning for the delivery of the project for Tasmania.
1
Planning: June 2026
Planning and initial investigations commenced, and have included site assessments, route investigations, environmental and planning studies, and stakeholder consultation.
2
Community engagement: November 2026
Community engagement activities, including an online webinar and an in-person community information stall. Development Application submitted to George Town Council. Development Application public exhibition, subject to the George Town Council process.
3
Final survey and design: November - December 2026
Once survey approvals are in place, marine route surveys and ground investigations at the HDD site and cable landing shelter will confirm the final cable route.
4
Construction begins: December 2026
Underground telecommunications cable connection works between the Bellbuoy Beach underground manhole and the George Town cable landing station. These works will be delivered under Schedule 3 of the Telecommunications Act 1997 and do not form part of the project Development Application.
5
Civil works: December 2026 - March 2027
Bellbuoy Beach site establishment, horizontal directional drilling, below-ground manhole installation and telecommunications facility construction in George Town. Site remediation works, including removal of all equipment and restoration of the work area.
6
Cable installation: March 2027
The subsea cable will be laid offshore and hauled through the street conduit to the landing shelter. Followed by commissioning activities to prepare the system for operation.
7
Ready for service: Mid-2027
Cable operational in the second quarter of 2027.
FAQs
FAQs
What is the SMAP project?
SMAP is SUBCO’s new high-capacity submarine cable system connecting Sydney, Melbourne via Torquay, Adelaide and Perth (SMAP).
The new 5,000 kilometres cable system is designed to support internet, telecommunications, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other digital services across Australia.
What is the Bernacchi-1 project?
Bernacchi-1 is a proposed new subsea fibre cable that will connect Tasmania to SUBCO’s SMAP network.
It will be the first new fibre connection between Tasmania and mainland Australia in more than 20 years and will deliver more than 60 terabits per second of additional capacity. The connection will provide additional pathways towards Sydney and Melbourne and improve the resilience and diversity of Tasmania’s digital infrastructure.
What does the project involve?
The project is made up of four main components: a below-ground manhole at 122 Bellbuoy Beach; an underground conduit going from the manhole beneath Bellbuoy Beach and the dunes and out to sea; a land-based fibre connection between Bellbuoy Beach and George Town; and a small telecommunications facility in George Town.
Who is SUBCO?
SUBCO is an Australian owned, independent telecommunications infrastructure company that develops, owns and operates subsea cable systems.
SUBCO has delivered more than 20,000 kilometres of subsea cable infrastructure across Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.
What is a submarine cable?
A submarine (or subsea) cable is a communication cable laid on or beneath the seabed.
Different types of subsea cables are used for communications, power, or research. The Bernacchi-1 infrastructure at Bellbuoy Beach will be a communications cable.
Why are they important?
Subsea communication cables carry most of the world’s internet and international telecommunications traffic. They connect continents, countries and cities and support the digital services used by households, businesses, governments and other organisations. Well over 98% of the world's internet traffic and communications economy travels through submarine cables.
An interactive map showing the communications cables of the world can be found at: https://www.submarinecablemap.com/
Why did we select Bellbuoy Beach?
Bellbuoy Beach is in close proximity to the SMAP cable system, allowing a branch to be installed into Tasmania.
The location is also close to existing fibre networks that connect to Launceston and other Tasmania population centres. The site provides suitable technical conditions for the cable route and allows the use of horizontal directional drilling beneath the beach and dunes.
What other sites were considered?
Potential landing sites to the east of Bellbuoy Beach were considered during earlier investigations. These locations were constrained by existing undersea power and gas networks and proposed onshore and offshore wind generation facilities.
To the west, the Port of Launceston and the Tamar River entrance limit the available options for cable landings.
What factors were considered when selecting the site?
The assessment considered technical, environmental, cultural heritage, infrastructure and planning factors.
Depth of water is critical for cable laying and future security of cable when coming into shore. Quickly achieving optimal water depth at the end of the horizontally directionally drilled (HDD) conduit out to sea helps to better protect the cable from anchors and other marine activities.
What approvals are required?
Hold a carrier licence under the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth);
Confirm that the installation may proceed under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth);
Obtain any state based approvals and consents works within coastal state waters; and
Comply with any Cultural Heritage Act and/or Environmental control requirements.
Who approves the cable installation?
As a carrier, SUBCO is permitted under the terms of the Act to install underground and subsea cables, provided it complies with the Act and other state or Commonwealth laws and approvals, where they apply.
Who approves the cable landing site?
The proposed Bellbuoy Beach works and George Town telecommunications facility are subject to the relevant planning, land access, environmental, cultural heritage, building and construction approval processes.
SUBCO is consulting with the George Town Council, Tasmanian Government agencies, marine and port authorities, utilities, landowners and other relevant stakeholders.
Where applicable, land access process under the Telecommunications Act 1997 may also apply.
Has an Environmental Protection Assessment been undertaken?
Environmental, planning, natural values, cultural heritage, coastal and technical assessments are being undertaken as part of the project’s comprehensive approvals process.
The Development Application is supported by detailed planning, environmental, technical, construction, heritage, coastal and noise assessments.
The project design and construction plans will be refined in response to assessment findings, approval conditions and community feedback.
Referral applications can be viewed on the Department of the Environment and Energy website found at http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/environment-assessments
What about impact to marine life, in particular whales?
The project has been designed to minimise marine disturbance.
The cable will be laid on the seabed. This avoids excavation of the beach, dunes and seabed along the shore approach.
Marine environmental controls will apply during offshore works. Marine mammal observers will be used during installation activities where required by the relevant approvals and marine management procedures.
How big is the out to sea conduit and cable?
Submarine cable is very small in comparison to other undersea infrastructure and ocean outfall pipes. Horizontal directional drill size and conduit is 110mm with cable measuring between 17mm and 37mm in diameter or about the same as a common garden hose.
What is horizontal directional drilling?
Horizontal directional drilling, or HDD, offers significant environmental advantages over traditional cut and cover pipeline/utility installations. The technique is routinely used when conventional trenching or excavating is not practical or when minimal surface disturbance is required. Directional drilling at Bellbuoy Beach will ensure that there is zero impact on the foreshore itself and out to sea. HDD conduit installation is planned to extend up to 750mts offshore.
How much noise will the HDD make?
HDD will generate noise similar to other construction activities.
Temporary works compound has sound proofing installed around the outside fence to reduce machinery noise as much as possible, Construction activities will be limited to weekdays (Monday to Friday) and Saturdays only, with no construction activities on Sundays or public holidays.
Construction times will be in accordance with Schedule 1 of the EPA’s Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2026, as follows:
7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and 8:00am to 6:00pm Saturday.
Hours of operation will be limited to normal working hours during the drilling activity over the 4–6-week period at the HDD location.
How large will the temporary construction compound be?
The temporary works compound is expected to be approximately 60 metres x 30 metres.
The area will be fenced with soundproof matting and geofabric and or ground matting will be utilised in the compound to minimise ground disturbance from heavy machinery working in and accessing the worksite. The cable manhole and HDD will require an excavation area of 12 metres x 6 metres by 2.5 depth to install the manhole underground, HDD will be undertaken in that same excavation hole.
When will surveys and investigations occur?
Final marine surveys, land-based surveys, site investigations and design work are scheduled for late 2026.
These activities will help confirm the final cable route, seabed and ground conditions, construction requirements and telecommunications infrastructure arrangements.
The work will involve survey personnel, specialist contractors, vehicles and equipment, marine survey vessels, site inspections and ground investigations.
When will construction commence?
Onshore construction is expected to occur from December 2026 to March 2027, subject to approvals, weather, site conditions and final scheduling.
This includes the Bellbuoy Beach underground conduit and cable chamber, the land-based fibre connection and the telecommunications facility in George Town.
How long will the works take?
The HDD itself is expected to take approximately one month, with an additional month beforehand for site preparation and setup and a further month afterwards to remove equipment and restore the work area.
Other construction activities, including the underground cable chamber, land-based cable connection and telecommunications facility, will occur as part of the broader construction program.
What will the operating hours be and what impacts can be expected?
Construction activities will be limited to weekdays (Monday to Friday) and Saturdays only, with no construction activities on Sundays or public holidays.
Construction times will be in accordance with Schedule 1 of the EPA’s Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2026, as follows:
7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and 8:00am to 6:00pm Saturday.
Temporary impacts may include construction noise, vehicle movements, traffic management, dust, excavation and temporary fencing.
The project team will coordinate with relevant authorities and provide advance notice of activities likely to affect access, traffic or local amenity.
Will there be night works?
Most construction activities are expected to occur during approved daytime working hours.
Night-time transport of large equipment may be required to comply with road safety requirements and minimise disruption to public roads. Any night-time equipment movements will be subject to relevant approvals and traffic management arrangements.
The community will be notified in advance of significant night-time equipment movements.
What will the impact be on Bellbuoy Beach once the works are complete?
The underground conduit and manhole at 122 Bellbuoy Beach Rd, will be covered once construction is complete, and disturbed areas will be reinstated, returfed or replanted as required.
No visible permanent telecommunications infrastructure is expected on the beach itself.
What will happen during the land-based cable connection works?
Once the subsea cable reaches the underground manhole at Bellbuoy Beach, it will continue underground via a land-based fibre connection to the telecommunications facility in George Town.
Existing underground conduits and telecommunications infrastructure will be used wherever practicable to minimise new construction and disruption.
A small temporary work area will be established while the cable is pulled through the underground conduit. This work is expected to take a few days, after which the area will be cleared and reinstated.
What will happen in the public area after completion?
Temporary work areas, fencing and equipment will be removed when the relevant works are complete.
Disturbed areas will be reinstated, returfed or replanted as required. The underground manhole will be covered, with no visible permanent feature expected at the Bellbuoy Beach site.
Will the project affect future tree planting or local amenity?
The project is being designed to minimise impacts on local vegetation, cultural heritage values and community amenity.
The use of underground construction methods and existing infrastructure will reduce the need for new surface disturbance. Any temporary impacts will be managed through construction controls and reinstatement measures.
Who is being consulted?
SUBCO is consulting with George Town Council, TasPorts, Marine and Safety Tasmania, the Environment Protection Agency, Natural Resources and Environment, Parks Tasmania and other relevant authorities and stakeholders.
Did you properly inform George Town Council of the size of the barricade and the duration it would be in place?
Yes, SUBCO, its contractors and George Town Council will collaboratively coordinate the works to minimise any disruption to the community. For clarity, the worksite and its fencing is only to remain in place for the duration of the drilling works, which is due to be completed by the end of 2026 subject to approvals.
How will the community be kept informed?
The project team will provide updates through the project website, FAQs, information flyers, e-updates, social media, blog posts, site signage, stakeholder briefings and community engagement activities.
Residents and stakeholders can contact SUBCO directly with questions or feedback throughout the project.
What community information sessions are planned?
The community is invited to learn more about Bernacchi-1 and speak directly with the project team at:
Online webinar
Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Time: 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm AEDT
Once registered, you will receive a link to join the webinar.
Community information stall
Date: Saturday, 14 November 2026
Time: 9.00 am–1.00 pm AEDT
Location: George Town Neighbourhood House Community Market (outside the Graham Fairless Centre), 29-67 Macquarie St, George Town TAS 7253.
What will happen when the cable is ready for installation?
Once the subsea cable is ready for installation, a small temporary work area will be established at the Bellbuoy Beach site.
Equipment will be used to pull the cable through the underground conduit and into the manhole. The cable will then be secured, tested and connected.
These works are expected to take a few days, after which the equipment will be removed and the area reinstated.
Who do I contact if I have any further enquiries?
If you have questions or concerns about the surveys or the project, contact SUBCO on 1800 566 102 or submit an enquiry via the SUBCO contact page.
Calls to the community information line are diverted to voicemail, monitored regularly and returned by the project team.
Project information and updates are available on the Bernacchi-1 Community page.
What is the SMAP project?
SMAP is SUBCO’s new high-capacity submarine cable system connecting Sydney, Melbourne via Torquay, Adelaide and Perth (SMAP).
The new 5,000 kilometres cable system is designed to support internet, telecommunications, cloud computing, artificial intelligence and other digital services across Australia.
What is the Bernacchi-1 project?
Bernacchi-1 is a proposed new subsea fibre cable that will connect Tasmania to SUBCO’s SMAP network.
It will be the first new fibre connection between Tasmania and mainland Australia in more than 20 years and will deliver more than 60 terabits per second of additional capacity. The connection will provide additional pathways towards Sydney and Melbourne and improve the resilience and diversity of Tasmania’s digital infrastructure.
What does the project involve?
The project is made up of four main components: a below-ground manhole at 122 Bellbuoy Beach; an underground conduit going from the manhole beneath Bellbuoy Beach and the dunes and out to sea; a land-based fibre connection between Bellbuoy Beach and George Town; and a small telecommunications facility in George Town.
Who is SUBCO?
SUBCO is an Australian owned, independent telecommunications infrastructure company that develops, owns and operates subsea cable systems.
SUBCO has delivered more than 20,000 kilometres of subsea cable infrastructure across Australia, Asia, and the Middle East.
What is a submarine cable?
A submarine (or subsea) cable is a communication cable laid on or beneath the seabed.
Different types of subsea cables are used for communications, power, or research. The Bernacchi-1 infrastructure at Bellbuoy Beach will be a communications cable.
Why are they important?
Subsea communication cables carry most of the world’s internet and international telecommunications traffic. They connect continents, countries and cities and support the digital services used by households, businesses, governments and other organisations. Well over 98% of the world's internet traffic and communications economy travels through submarine cables.
An interactive map showing the communications cables of the world can be found at: https://www.submarinecablemap.com/
Why did we select Bellbuoy Beach?
Bellbuoy Beach is in close proximity to the SMAP cable system, allowing a branch to be installed into Tasmania.
The location is also close to existing fibre networks that connect to Launceston and other Tasmania population centres. The site provides suitable technical conditions for the cable route and allows the use of horizontal directional drilling beneath the beach and dunes.
What factors were considered when selecting the site?
Potential landing sites to the east of Bellbuoy Beach were considered during earlier investigations. These locations were constrained by existing undersea power and gas networks and proposed onshore and offshore wind generation facilities.
To the west, the Port of Launceston and the Tamar River entrance limit the available options for cable landings.
What considerations were a factor in determining the best site?
The assessment considered technical, environmental, cultural heritage, infrastructure and planning factors.
Depth of water is critical for cable laying and future security of cable when coming into shore. Quickly achieving optimal water depth at the end of the horizontally directionally drilled (HDD) conduit out to sea helps to better protect the cable from anchors and other marine activities.
What approvals are required?
Hold a carrier licence under the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth);
Confirm that the installation may proceed under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth);
Obtain any state based approvals and consents works within coastal state waters; and
Comply with any Cultural Heritage Act and/or Environmental control requirements.
Who approves the cable installation?
SUBCO is a licensed carrier under the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth). As a carrier, SUBCO will apply for a submarine cable installation permit issued by the ACMA.
Who approves the cable landing site?
The proposed Bellbuoy Beach works and George Town telecommunications facility are subject to the relevant planning, land access, environmental, cultural heritage, building and construction approval processes.
SUBCO is consulting with the George Town Council, Tasmanian Government agencies, marine and port authorities, utilities, landowners and other relevant stakeholders.
Where applicable, land access process under the Telecommunications Act 1997 may also apply.
Has an Environmental Protection Assessment been undertaken?
Environmental, planning, natural values, cultural heritage, coastal and technical assessments are being undertaken as part of the project’s comprehensive approvals process.
The Development Application is supported by detailed planning, environmental, technical, construction, heritage, coastal and noise assessments.
The project design and construction plans will be refined in response to assessment findings, approval conditions and community feedback.
Referral applications can be viewed on the Department of the Environment and Energy website found at http://www.environment.gov.au/protection/environment-assessments
What about impact to marine life, in particular whales?
The project has been designed to minimise marine disturbance.
The cable will be laid on the seabed. This avoids excavation of the beach, dunes and seabed along the shore approach.
Marine environmental controls will apply during offshore works. Marine mammal observers will be used during installation activities where required by the relevant approvals and marine management procedures.
How big is the out to sea conduit and cable?
Submarine cable is very small in comparison to other undersea infrastructure and ocean outfall pipes. Horizontal directional drill size and conduit is 110mm with cable measuring between 17mm and 37mm in diameter or about the same as a common garden hose.
What is horizontal directional drilling?
Horizontal directional drilling, or HDD, offers significant environmental advantages over traditional cut and cover pipeline/utility installations. The technique is routinely used when conventional trenching or excavating is not practical or when minimal surface disturbance is required. Directional drilling at Bellbuoy Beach will ensure that there is zero impact on the foreshore itself and out to sea. HDD conduit installation is planned to extend up to 750mts offshore.
How much noise will the HDD make?
HDD will generate noise similar to other construction activities.
Temporary works compound has sound proofing installed around the outside fence to reduce machinery noise as much as possible, Construction activities will be limited to weekdays (Monday to Friday) and Saturdays only, with no construction activities on Sundays or public holidays.
Construction times will be in accordance with Schedule 1 of the EPA’s Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2026, as follows:
7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and 8:00am to 6:00pm Saturday.
Hours of operation will be limited to normal working hours during the drilling activity over the 4–6-week period at the HDD location.
How large will the temporary construction compound be?
The temporary works compound is expected to be approximately 60 metres x 30 metres.
The area will be fenced with soundproof matting and geofabric and or ground matting will be utilised in the compound to minimise ground disturbance from heavy machinery working in and accessing the worksite. The cable manhole and HDD will require an excavation area of 12 metres x 6 metres by 2.5 depth to install the manhole underground, HDD will be undertaken in that same excavation hole.
When will surveys and investigations occur?
Final marine surveys, land-based surveys, site investigations and design work are scheduled for late 2026.
These activities will help confirm the final cable route, seabed and ground conditions, construction requirements and telecommunications infrastructure arrangements.
The work will involve survey personnel, specialist contractors, vehicles and equipment, marine survey vessels, site inspections and ground investigations.
When will construction commence?
Onshore construction is expected to occur from December 2026 to March 2027, subject to approvals, weather, site conditions and final scheduling.
This includes the Bellbuoy Beach underground conduit and cable chamber, the land-based fibre connection and the telecommunications facility in George Town.
How long will the works take?
The HDD itself is expected to take approximately one month, with an additional month beforehand for site preparation and setup and a further month afterwards to remove equipment and restore the work area.
Other construction activities, including the underground cable chamber, land-based cable connection and telecommunications facility, will occur as part of the broader construction program.
What will the operating hours be and what impacts can be expected?
Construction activities will be limited to weekdays (Monday to Friday) and Saturdays only, with no construction activities on Sundays or public holidays.
Construction times will be in accordance with Schedule 1 of the EPA’s Environmental Management and Pollution Control (Noise) Regulations 2026, as follows:
7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday, and 8:00am to 6:00pm Saturday.
Temporary impacts may include construction noise, vehicle movements, traffic management, dust, excavation and temporary fencing.
The project team will coordinate with relevant authorities and provide advance notice of activities likely to affect access, traffic or local amenity.
Will there be night works?
Most construction activities are expected to occur during approved daytime working hours.
Night-time transport of large equipment may be required to comply with road safety requirements and minimise disruption to public roads. Any night-time equipment movements will be subject to relevant approvals and traffic management arrangements.
The community will be notified in advance of significant night-time equipment movements.
What will the impact be on Bellbuoy Beach once the works are complete?
The underground conduit and manhole at 122 Bellbuoy Beach Rd, will be covered once construction is complete, and disturbed areas will be reinstated, returfed or replanted as required.
No visible permanent telecommunications infrastructure is expected on the beach itself.
What will happen during the land-based cable connection works?
Once the subsea cable reaches the underground manhole at Bellbuoy Beach, it will continue underground via a land-based fibre connection to the telecommunications facility in George Town.
Existing underground conduits and telecommunications infrastructure will be used wherever practicable to minimise new construction and disruption.
A small temporary work area will be established while the cable is pulled through the underground conduit. This work is expected to take a few days, after which the area will be cleared and reinstated.
What will happen in the public area after completion?
Temporary work areas, fencing and equipment will be removed when the relevant works are complete.
Disturbed areas will be reinstated, returfed or replanted as required. The underground manhole will be covered, with no visible permanent feature expected at the Bellbuoy Beach site.
Will the project affect future tree planting or local amenity?
The project is being designed to minimise impacts on local vegetation, cultural heritage values and community amenity.
The use of underground construction methods and existing infrastructure will reduce the need for new surface disturbance. Any temporary impacts will be managed through construction controls and reinstatement measures.
Who is being consulted?
SUBCO is consulting with George Town Council, TasPorts, Marine and Safety Tasmania, the Environment Protection Agency, Natural Resources and Environment, Parks Tasmania and other relevant authorities and stakeholders.
Did you properly inform George Town Council of the size of the barricade and the duration it would be in place?
Yes, SUBCO, its contractors and George Town Council will collaboratively coordinate the works to minimise any disruption to the community. For clarity, the worksite and its fencing is only to remain in place for the duration of the drilling works, which is due to be completed by the end of 2026 subject to approvals.
How will the community be kept informed?
The project team will provide updates through the project website, FAQs, information flyers, e-updates, social media, blog posts, site signage, stakeholder briefings and community engagement activities.
Residents and stakeholders can contact SUBCO directly with questions or feedback throughout the project.
What community information sessions are planned?
The community is invited to learn more about Bernacchi-1 and speak directly with the project team at:
Online webinar
Date: Thursday, 12 November 2026
Time: 6.00 pm - 7.00 pm AEDT
Once registered, you will receive a link to join the webinar.
Community information stall
Date: Saturday, 14 November 2026
Time: 9.00 am–1.00 pm
Location: George Town Neighbourhood House Community Market (outside the Graham Fairless Centre), 29-67 Macquarie St, George Town TAS 7253.
What will happen when the cable is ready for installation?
Once the subsea cable is ready for installation, a small temporary work area will be established at the Bellbuoy Beach site.
Equipment will be used to pull the cable through the underground conduit and into the manhole. The cable will then be secured, tested and connected.
These works are expected to take a few days, after which the equipment will be removed and the area reinstated.
Who do I contact if I have any further enquiries?
If you have questions or concerns about the surveys or the project, contact SUBCO on 1800 566 102 or submit an enquiry via the SUBCO contact page.
Calls to the community information line are diverted to voicemail, monitored regularly and returned by the project team.
Project information and updates are available on the Bernacchi-1 Community page.