Barrow Island Marine Fibre Optic Cable Installation

Overview

Telstra Corporation Limited proposes to install a submarine fibre optic cable connecting Onslow, the Barrow Island Jetty, Gnoorea Point and the Wheatstone Gas Platform.  The total cable length is approximately 492 km, of which 270 km is within State waters and 222 km is within Commonwealth waters. The referral to the EPA is for that part of the proposal within the State’s jurisdiction.  For the terrestrial landing points at Onslow and Gnoorea Point, the proponent is pursuing a permit under the Commonwealth Telecommunications Act 1997, which provides an exemption to state planning approvals.

What happens next

Following the seven day public comment period and consideration of any comments received, the EPA will decide whether or not this proposal requires environmental impact assessment and, if so, what level of assessment will be applied.

The Chairman's decisions on level of assessment are released each Monday on the EPA's website.