Connecting Scotland Island to the NBN

14/10/2020

Downer is coming to the end of one of the largest Fibre to the Curb (FTTC) roll-out programs, delivered on behalf of Nbn Co.

The program has involved design and construction at over 225,000 premises utilising both underground and overhead infrastructure. One of the program’s most complex service areas, Scotland Island and the West Pittwater bays in NSW, is currently under construction.

The scope of works for the unique build includes connecting the nbn underground cable from Church Point on the mainland, to Scotland Island, two kilometres to sea. Surrounded by bushland reserves, Scotland Island is home to a community of 1,000 people and can only be accessed by water. Using armoured submarine cable, a specialist diving contractor was engaged to lay, bury and protect the nbn cable underwater in six crossing locations.

On the island the cable moves to an aerial network, running parallel to the electricity network on concrete and wooden poles. This component of the project was challenging for our team, due to rugged bush terrain and the lack of roads restricting the ability to use typically machinery (such as electronic working platforms and borer lifters) to stand new poles and string aerial cable. A specialist lifting helicopter and crew installed poles which required careful planning, permits, logistics and consultation with the local community. Additional works included the removal of old asbestos pits, a Zero Harm initiative carried out by the team.

Ray Hansen, FTTC Construction Manager said, “We would like to thank our service partners who helped to complete this project a week before schedule. Logistically, the build was challenging with additional measures needed to care for the community and the surrounding bushland reserves.”