The Sunshine Coast has secured a major boost to its digital future, with Google and NEXTDC announcing a partnership to deliver a second submarine broadband cable to the Maroochydore data centre as part of Google’s Australia Connect initiative.
Due to be operational in 2026, the new Tabua trans-Pacific subsea cable will link the Sunshine Coast directly to the USA and Fiji, creating a second international digital gateway – alongside the existing Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network. This will improve Australia’s digital resilience, expand global connectivity and position the region as a hub for high-speed, low-latency data exchange.
The partnership builds on substantial progress made in the establishment of Maroochydore City Centre, home to NEXTDC’s SC1 data centre – the connection point for the existing Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network, which delivers the fastest international link to Asia from Australia’s east coast.
Alongside this, NEXTDC has announced a landmark $200 million investment in a second Sunshine Coast data centre SC2 – the regions first dedicated AI Factory. This state-of-the-art, AI-optimised facility designed to supercharge digital capability across sectors such as aerospace, geospatial intelligence, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, financial services and biomedical research.
Backed by strong local government support, SC2 will build on the region’s appeal for future-focused enterprise by catering to advances in AI innovation and cloud computing. Attracting even more skilled professionals and support providers to the Sunshine Coast.
With the new Tabua submarine cable, the SC2 on the horizon and advanced capabilities like WIFI 6 already in place, the Sunshine Coast is a prime location for technology-related investments.
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The new submarine broadband cable and the Google / NEXTDC / Sunshine Coast Council partnership is a major win for the Sunshine Coast, Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
The initiative will deliver a new landing point in Australia for the Tabua trans-Pacific subsea cable, which connects Australia, Fiji and the US.
The new cable will deliver more than just improved connectivity. It will change Australia’s entire digital landscape, by shifting focus to the Sunshine Coast as a growing region intent on securing its own brand of tech-enabled future.
Data Connect is designed to link businesses with large-scale data needs to the right local telecommunication partners to help get the best deal.
In July 2025 more than 200 tech leaders, investors and digital innovators gathered for the Tech in Paradise – Google Factor Sundowner Event. This milestone event was a strategic industry gathering celebrating the Sunshine Coast’s transformation into a global digital hub.
NEXTDC, Australia’s largest listed developer and operator of data centres, owns the 100 per cent uptime SC1 Tier III data centre in Maroochydore – originally built by Council and now a critical connection point for the Sunshine Coast International Broadband Network.
Marking the largest private commercial investment in the Sunshine Coast’s history, the company will invest $200 million in a second Sunshine Coast facility called SC2.
The AI-optimised data centre will supercharge digital capability across industries such as aerospace, geospatial intelligence, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, financial services and biomedical research.
“NEXTDC is proud to strengthen its presence on the Sunshine Coast with SC2,” said CEO Craig Scroggie. “This facility will help local and Australian organisations harness the strategic value of AI and further position the region as a key enabler of Australia’s thriving digital economy.”
The Google / NEXTDC / Sunshine Coast partnership builds on the Coast’s enviable digital infrastructure, making it even more attractive to international businesses and investors.
The $2.5 billion Maroochydore City Centre, located at the heart of the Sunshine Coast, is an award-winning planning project and a smart city in the making.
In true Sunshine Coast style, the city centre is located close to the beach and designed with acres of parkland.
Investment in digital infrastructure in the city centre goes beyond the high-speed cable connections, to the strategic rollout of high-tech and innovation initiatives.
The NEXTDC data centre has enabled the rollout of WIFI 6 and Sunshine Coast Council has been spearheading smart city initiatives for many years, including test and trial technology programs.
The Maroochydore City Centre is Australia’s newest greenfield CBD and a Queensland Government approved Priority Development Area. Its proximity to the data centre Sunshine Coast Airport further enhances its appeal as a globally connected business destination.
Already punching above its weight as a preferred regional business location, the Sunshine Coast is now even more in the spotlight as a prime location for future-facing businesses.
Sunshine Coast Council is experiencing a surge in interest from astute business owners and investors as a result of the Google announcement.
These businesses are looking to secure their share of the dividends expected to flow from current investment in technology and innovation.
Read more at Google’s blog post Australia Connect initiative delivers new digital pathways for the Indo-Pacific.
The new cable builds on the significant progress made establishing Maroochydore City Centre as one of Australia’s fastest growing innovation hubs.
It adds to the existing Sunshine Coast’s International Broadband Network, which provides the fastest international connection to Asia from Australia’s east coast.
The city centre precinct and the Sunshine Coast region at large represent an ideal investment destination for both international and Australian-based businesses.
Several innovative Sunshine Coast Council programs have been globally recognised, winning three Gold Awards 2024 with the International Economic Development Council based in the US.
NEXTDC Managing Director and CEO Craig Scroggie said NEXTDC was proud to be a longstanding partner with Sunshine Coast Council and Google.
“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.
The Sunshine Coast is ready for tech innovators, eager to welcome your input to shape our shared future. Are you ready to seize the opportunity?
For a confidential discussion about these exciting opportunities, contact Wendy Macdonald from the Sunshine Coast Council Investment Attraction team at or email invest@sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
