Fibre optic install to the Bellarine begins

A YEAR-long project now under way to install 35 kilometres of fibre optic cable from central Geelong to the far side of the Bellarine will create the backbone for high-speed internet to community, education, and research facilities.

Crews began drilling the holes last week to install the conduit for the fibre optic cable, which will eventually reach to Drysdale and Queenscliff.

The first stage of the project from August to December will lay 11 km of fibre parallel to the Bellarine Rail Trail from Boundary Road in East Geelong to Portarlington Road in Curlewis.

The works are part of a partnership between the City of Greater Geelong, Deakin University and Australia’s Academic and Research Network (AARNet).

Digging began on Wednesday last week in Moolap close to where the Bellarine Rail Trail crosses Kildorary Street.

AARNet field supervisor Tim Mugridge said the directional drill would dig a hole under the ground and pull conduit through, with the actual fibre-optic cable to be pulled through at the end.

He said crews also had rented accommodation on the Bellarine to cut down on travel time.

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy, who inspected the works on Wednesday last week, said the 12-month project would connect city facilities such as the new Drysdale Library, The Potato Shed and Drysdale Sports Precinct, to high-speed internet.

“The infrastructure delivered through this joint venture will benefit our region for many years to come,.

“We’re collaborating with researchers, other levels of government, and the private sector to reach our smart city goals.

“Deakin’s flagship Marine Science Centre at Queenscliff will benefit from faster connectivity, helping researchers to share high volumes of data with other experts around the world.”

The fibre-optic cable will also service Eduroam, a secure global roaming wireless network utilised by Deakin University staff and students.

Deputy chair of the council’s innovative solutions portfolio Cr Sarah Mansfield said the project paved the way for optical fibre to be installed to other coastal areas in the future, further supporting the council’s Smart City ambitions.

“Enhancing connectivity and data processing helps to create a smart, future-focussed city whilst stimulating economic opportunity and innovation.

“This fibre provides backbone infrastructure to fast-track the rollout of other smart technologies which will help us to understand usage patterns along the Bellarine Rail Trail – a key part of our active transport network.”

The city says local suppliers and materials will be prioritised throughout the project, and the works will be delivered in a sensitive way to minimise disruption to the natural landscape and so that pedestrians and cyclists can continue enjoying the Rail Trail.