Proposal to vary the Submarine Cable (Southern Sydney Protection Zone) Declaration 2007

View the interactive map of the proposed variation to the SSPZ in the Australian Marine Spatial Information System (AMSIS).

Submarine cables are an important component of Australia’s communications infrastructure. However, these cables and the connectivity they offer are vulnerable to damage from certain activities by other seabed users. 

We are responsible for declaring, varying and revoking protection zones, which offer enhanced protections for submarine cables in Australian waters.  Within protection zones, activities that could damage submarine cables are prohibited or restricted. This includes anchoring large vessels and the use of trawl fishing gear.

We are proposing changes to the existing Submarine Cable (Southern Sydney Protection Zone) Declaration 2007 so that the southern-most boundary of the protection zone is extended over a new submarine cable of national significance. The new submarine cable will be installed in the waters off Maroubra Beach, New South Wales. The current prohibitions and restrictions on activities within the Southern Sydney Protection Zone would continue to apply within the varied area of the zone.

Please let us know your views on any of the questions set out in the attached consultation paper. Use the ‘upload submission’ button at the top of this page to upload your submission. Details for submissions by post are included in the consultation paper.