SUBCO and Firmus are continuing to progress Bernacchi-1, a proposed subsea fibre cable connecting Tasmania to SUBCO’s SMAP network.
Bernacchi-1 will provide Tasmania with its first new subsea fibre connection to mainland Australia in more than 20 years, helping strengthen digital capacity, connectivity and resilience for households, businesses, government and future technology industries.
The project includes 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.
Following further investigations and discussions with the community and George Town Council, SUBCO has relocated the proposed Bernacchi-1 Cable Landing Station and associated telecommunications infrastructure to 86 Victoria Street, George Town. The site was identified as having the lowest overall impact, while also providing practical benefits for the community and the project.
Final marine surveys, site investigations and design work are scheduled for late 2026. These investigations will help confirm the subsea cable route, seabed and ground conditions, construction requirements, underground conduit alignment and telecommunications infrastructure arrangements.
Bernacchi-1 is subject to a comprehensive approvals process involving local, Tasmanian and Australian Government authorities. This includes planning, environmental, cultural heritage, marine, navigation, land access, engineering, construction and telecommunications requirements.
A Development Application was submitted to George Town Council in early November 2026 as part of the formal assessment process. The project design and construction plans will continue to be refined in response to technical investigations, assessment findings, approval conditions and community feedback.
Construction and marine installation will only proceed once the required approvals, permits and consents are in place.
The community will have opportunities to learn more about Bernacchi-1 and speak directly with the project team at an upcoming online webinar and community information stall in George Town. Further details, including registration information, are available via the FAQs on our community page.
SUBCO will continue to provide project updates as Bernacchi-1 progresses. For more information, including our latest Project Update and FAQs, visit our community page, or contact SUBCO on 1800 566 102.
