Telecommunications Act 1997

Unless the ACMA specifies otherwise in the declaration of a protection zone, the protection zone in relation to:

one submarine cable—is the area set out in subclause (2); and

more than one submarine cable—is the area set out in subclause (4).

The protection zone in relation to one submarine cable:

consists of so much of the following as is Australian waters:

the area within 1,852 metres either side of the points on the surface of the sea above the nominal location of the cable; and

the waters beneath that area; and

the seabed and subsoil beneath that area.

If a cable leaves one area of Australian waters and subsequently enters another area of Australian waters, subclause (2) has the effect that the protection zone in relation to that cable covers both areas of Australian waters.

A declaration of a protection zone in relation to one submarine cable has no effect to the extent that it covers an area outside the area described in subclause (2).

The protection zone in relation to more than one submarine cable:

consists of so much of the following as is Australian waters:

the area between the nominal location of the cables; and

the area within 1,852 metres from the outside edge of the points on the surface of the sea above the nominal location of each of the two outermost cables; and

the waters beneath those areas; and

the seabed and subsoil beneath those areas.

If a cable leaves one area of Australian waters and subsequently enters another area of Australian waters, subclause (4) has the effect that the protection zone in relation to that cable covers both areas of Australian waters.

A declaration of a protection zone in relation to more than one submarine cable has no effect to the extent that it covers an area outside the area described in subclause (4).

In this clause: