The Intercity Fibre Network project is one of the most ambitious undertakings in Telstra InfraCo’s 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’s not just another infrastructure build – it’s 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 Intercity Fibre Network vision into reality.

Jon Creasy, leader of Telstra’s 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

“The Intercity Fibre Network project is like nothing I’ve ever come across before in terms of magnitude,” Jon Creasy, a career-long Telstra team member says.

Jon leads Telstra InfraCo’s internal plough teams. Plough teams from Telstra and our contractors are the literal cutting edge of the Intercity Fibre Network project.

“They’re the ones on the ploughs and rocks saws to excavate the path. Then our optical cable splicers follow behind, laying the cable.”

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’t often come into HQ, so Jon ensures he connects with them regularly.

“The people on our teams live and work closely together and there’s great camaraderie, but it’s still important we check in with each other and celebrate their achievements.”

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 Telstra InfraCo, focuses on how to ensure the teams working on the project are fully equipped.

“One 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.”

Planning is vital to maintaining progress, as Jon explains. “There 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.”

Working with traditional landowners

One aspect of the project that Jon finds particularly rewarding is the opportunity to work closely with traditional landowners. “Getting a deeper understanding of their connection to the land — it’s incredibly meaningful.

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

“The land and water are incredibly important." Telstra and their partners have shown a real understanding and respect for our culture,” Reg notes. During the planning stages, Reg led an Aboriginal Heritage Survey to advise Telstra InfraCo about areas of cultural significance. This ensures Telstra InfraCo can help preserve Australia’s heritage as it builds the country’s digital future – 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. “I’ve 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,” Jon says.

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

“It’s 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 Telstra InfraCo, the project represents more than just building fibre optic infrastructure — it’s about bridging gaps, fostering relationships with traditional landowners, and creating opportunities in remote areas.

“The work we do in these remote areas really changes people’s lives. They won’t have to rely on old technologies like radio anymore. We’re bringing them better quality of service,” Jon shares.

The Intercity Fibre Network project is rooted in respect for the land and the people, an ethos that will carry Telstra InfraCo 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’s words, “When this is finished, it’s going to feel like a real achievement, knowing it will serve Australia for decades to come."