Submarine telecommunications cables are the underwater infrastructure that links Australia with other countries.

Disruption or damage to major submarine cables can have serious consequences -dramatically impeding the flow of information to and from Australia.

Repairing a broken or damaged cable is an expensive and time consuming exercise.

While the locations of existing cables are well-known and are marked on most maritime maps, accidental damage of cables has occurred several times in recent years in Australian waters.

Activities that pose the greatest threat to undersea cables are sea-bottom trawl fishing, anchoring sand-dredging and dumping.

Following the release of the final report by the advisory committee, 55 public submissions were received.

From October 1, 2007, offences and penalties for the protection zones, as set out in Schedule 3A of the Telecommunications and Other Legislation Amendment (Protection of Submarine Cables and Other Measures) Act 2005, will apply.

Damage to a cable in a protection zone can result in 10 years imprisonment while negligent conduct is three years imprisonment.

Engaging in prohibited or restricted activities in a protection zone is five years imprisonment.