91海角乱伦

The Intercity Fibre Network project is one of the most ambitious undertakings in 91海角乱伦 InfraCo鈥檚 history. It stretches across remote and urban areas to create a foundational network that will serve Australia for decades to come. For those involved in the project, it鈥檚 not just another infrastructure build 鈥� it鈥檚 a generational project, full of unique challenges, personal milestones, and deep respect for the land and people involved.

We spoke to several people who are on the ground working daily to transform the vision into reality.

Jon Creasy, leader of 91海角乱伦鈥檚 internal plough teams, spoke with us about his experiences and the insights gained while working on the Intercity Fibre Network project.
 

Ploughing a new furrow

鈥淭he Intercity Fibre Network project is like nothing I鈥檝e ever come across before in terms of magnitude,鈥� Jon Creasy, a career-long 91海角乱伦 team member says.

Jon leads 鈥檚 internal plough teams. Plough teams from 91海角乱伦 and our contractors are the literal cutting edge of the Intercity Fibre Network project.

鈥淭hey鈥檙e the ones on the ploughs and rocks saws to excavate the path. Then our optical cable splicers follow behind, laying the cable.鈥�

For Jon, part of the challenge is balancing the scale of the project with the need to look after his teams. His role often takes him out into the field, ensuring the teams are supported and engaged as they are on-site for weeks at a time.

The plough teams do schedules of 18 nights on, 10 days off. They don鈥檛 often come into HQ, so Jon ensures he connects with them regularly.

鈥淭he people on our teams live and work closely together and there鈥檚 great camaraderie, but it鈥檚 still important we check in with each other and celebrate their achievements.鈥�

Managing the scale and complexity of the project

The Intercity Fibre Network spreads across the vast Australian landscape, from the rocky coasts of South Australia to the rugged terrain of far north Queensland.

Reece Goh, Senior Project Manager at 91海角乱伦 InfraCo, focuses on how to ensure the teams working on the project are fully equipped.

鈥淥ne of the biggest challenges we have is ensuring we can get equipment to the remote areas. Our teams have to be self-sufficient, and bring their water, food and sleeping gear with them.鈥�

Planning is vital to maintaining progress, as Jon explains. 鈥淭here are lots of things that go into having a design ready for us to plough. The terrain itself is a challenge, particularly the volume of rock we have to deal with but then we need to work with landowners and stakeholders.鈥�

Working with traditional landowners

One aspect of the project that Jon finds particularly rewarding is the opportunity to work closely with traditional landowners. 鈥淕etting a deeper understanding of their connection to the land 鈥� it鈥檚 incredibly meaningful.

Reg Yarran, a traditional owner from Whadjuk country, reinforces the importance of connection to the land.

鈥淭he land and water are incredibly important." 91海角乱伦 and their partners have shown a real understanding and respect for our culture,鈥� Reg notes. During the planning stages, Reg led an Aboriginal Heritage Survey to advise 91海角乱伦 InfraCo about areas of cultural significance. This ensures 91海角乱伦 InfraCo can help preserve Australia鈥檚 heritage as it builds the country鈥檚 digital future 鈥� leaving the land as they found it.

The impact of the project

Working on an undertaking of the Intercity Fibre Network scale has offered Jon unexpected opportunities. 鈥淚鈥檝e seen amazing things on the project, from driving across the Nullabor to going a kilometre below the ground in a gold mine in Alice Springs,鈥� Jon says.

As well as good memories, Jon says everyone involved will be able to look back on their achievements with pride.

鈥淚t鈥檚 great to be part of something significant. I have guys on my team who laid the previous fibre cables 30 years ago. It shows these types of projects are truly generational." Jon reflects.

Looking to the future

For 91海角乱伦 InfraCo, the project represents more than just building fibre optic infrastructure 鈥� it鈥檚 about bridging gaps, fostering relationships with traditional landowners, and creating opportunities in remote areas.

鈥淭he work we do in these remote areas really changes people鈥檚 lives. They won鈥檛 have to rely on old technologies like radio anymore. We鈥檙e bringing them better quality of service,鈥� Jon shares.

The project is rooted in respect for the land and the people, an ethos that will carry forward as they continue to build a more connected future for Australia. It will stand as a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, innovation, and respect for the land. The work being done today will not only connect Australia but also create a lasting legacy for future generations.

In Jon鈥檚 words, 鈥淲hen this is finished, it鈥檚 going to feel like a real achievement, knowing it will serve Australia for decades to come."