Thousands of people living on some of Fiji’s most remote outer islands are set to benefit from a new REnew Pacific project that will deliver safe, reliable drinking water.

Delivered in partnership with the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI), the Water Authority of Fiji and the Department of Water and Sewerage, the project will upgrade water infrastructure across seven sites on Lakeba, Rotuma and Vanuabalavu.

Each site will transition from diesel-only pumping to solar-hybrid and water tank systems, improving water security while cutting fuel costs and emissions.

The project will benefit around 4,900 people and includes storage and remote monitoring features to support long-term reliability and service delivery. It also provides training and support to local water authorities and communities, with a strong focus on inclusion for women and people with disabilities.

This is the first REnew Pacific water project in Fiji and will serve as a model for scaling sustainable water solutions across the Pacific.

REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s $75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy for rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including Fiji.

Over the next five years, REnew Pacific will continue to support community-led projects that bring clean, reliable energy to remote and rural off-grid communities, powering everything from lighting and clean water to healthcare, education and local enterprise.

REnew Pacific responds directly to the Pacific’s call for urgent climate action, showcasing Australia’s climate leadership and partnership in tackling the region’s greatest shared challenge. It sits within the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium.

Learn more about this project.

A new REnew Pacific project led by the Its Time Foundation will bring 24/7 clean energy, high-speed internet and digital learning tools to 30 remote schools and teachers’ homes across Fiji.

Many of these schools currently rely on costly diesel generators that run for only a few hours a day, which limits learning, digital access and safety. 

By installing high-quality off-grid solar systems and computer labs, the project will help close the education gap for thousands of students across mainland Viti Levu and outer islands including Rabi, Taveuni, Kadavu, Moala, Kabara and the Yasawas.

The initiative builds on the successful pilot at Buakonikai Primary School, delivered under the BPP Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnership. Just months after installation, the school reported improved learning outcomes, better digital access and more than AUD 6,000 in annual fuel savings, which was all reinvested in education. 

Find out more and watch a short film about the project.

Rob Edwards OAM, Founder, Its Time Foundation, said: “This new partnership marks a major step forward in our mission to ensure every child in Fiji has access to safe, modern education, regardless of where they live. 

“We’re building on the success of our earlier pilot to bring reliable solar power, internet connectivity and long-term sustainability to 30 more remote schools. It’s not just about clean energy – it’s about opportunity, equity and lasting impact for communities across the Pacific.”

Kaushik Lal, Senior Education Officer, Ministry of Education, said: “Providing solar power to remote schools brings light to classrooms, hope to students and relief to teachers. It powers learning, reduces costs and protects the planet, turning every sunrise into a promise of opportunity, resilience and a brighter future for education.”

Now scaled through REnew Pacific, the project introduces a dedicated maintenance model backed by the Solar Fund (Fiji), along with Starlink internet and basic computer labs to support e-learning. Fuel savings will help cover ongoing costs, making the systems financially sustainable for schools long into the future.

Delivered in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Education, the project also supports gender equity through training for women in solar installation and technical trades.

REnew Pacific is the Australian Government’s $75 million investment in off-grid renewable energy for rural and remote communities across the Pacific and Timor-Leste, including Fiji.

Over the next five years, REnew Pacific will continue to support community-led projects that bring clean, reliable energy to remote and rural off-grid communities, powering everything from lighting and clean water to healthcare, education and local enterprise.

REnew Pacific responds directly to the Pacific’s call for urgent climate action, showcasing Australia’s climate leadership and partnership in tackling the region’s greatest shared challenge. It sits within the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million initiative delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and implemented by Palladium.

Learn more about the project.

19 August 2025

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

Thank you and can I start by acknowledging the traditional owners of the Brisbane region, the Turrbal and Yuggera people.

I pay my respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.

We are honoured to welcome distinguished leaders from across the Pacific, including Heads of State, Heads of Government, Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers and senior officials from:

• Palau, Tuvalu, Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Cook Islands, Tonga, Fiji,
• Solomon Islands, Nauru, Federated States of Micronesia,
• Republic of Marshall Islands, Niue, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Kiribati, and the Pacific Islands Forum.

We deeply appreciate your presence and the valuable contributions you bring to this important gathering.

Your engagement reflects a strong commitment to advancing shared priorities across the region.

All protocols observed.

Welcome to the Pacific Infrastructure Conference

Hello everyone.

I'm so pleased that Australia is hosting the Pacific Infrastructure Conference.

It's good to see you in Brisbane. Thanks for travelling to be here.

The Pacific is our home and it's in all our interests to foster a resilient, connected region that enables all our economies to grow and our people to prosper.

Infrastructure plays a key role in this.

When we decide to invest in infrastructure, what we are doing, is imagining a better future.

It enables economic development across a range of sectors by providing ports, aviation links, roads, and digital connections.

It can transform communities by providing access to power, clean water, education and health services. It improves the everyday life of our communities.

Quality and resilient infrastructure also supports us in adapting to climate change.

There are several principles that guide Australia's approach to infrastructure investment.

We provide support that is:

• Based on and responsive to partner priorities
• Climate resilient
• Inclusive in design and promotes high-quality construction
• Transparent in its approach to investment and responsible lending
• And prioritises local leadership, jobs and procurement.

There are four key areas that I want to touch on today and leave you with to think about.

1. The first is how important it is to me that Australia's infrastructure investments in the Pacific are Pacific-led.

Australia listens to the priorities of the Pacific family – and acts on them.

As of June, this year, the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific has committed almost $2 billion to projects across the Pacific and Timor-Leste.

That's 56 projects in 11 countries.

Australia also supports infrastructure projects through our bilateral programs.

Examples of the breadth and depth of the projects Australia supports include:

• Building multi-purpose sports courts at secondary schools in Kiribati to promote fitness and encourage students to stay in school.
• Supporting the Papua New Guinea Government's work to restore and maintain the Wau Highway, making travel safer and improving remote communities' access to essential services.
• And working with the Government of Tonga and the Asian Development Bank to upgrade the Queen Salote International Wharf – Tonga's main gateway to global trade and essential supplies.

We have heard that the Pacific needs high quality infrastructure that responds to Pacific priorities and is suitable for Pacific conditions.

We are committed to –

• Listening to the Pacific on their priorities, including ensuring projects support local jobs and skills
• Working as a trusted partner, so you can be sure our projects are fit for purpose, high-quality and sustainable.
• Delivering on your priorities.

2. Climate change is also critical

Pacific leaders have declared that climate change is the number one threat to the security of their people, and they are right.

The Australian Government is committed to working to address climate change.

That's why we are also supporting investments in resilient infrastructure and clean energy projects.

And it's why we established the $350 million Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership.

This partnership supports countries and communities to adapt to climate change, reduce greenhouse emissions and expand access to clean energy.

Projects range from small scale renewable energy projects for rural and remote communities to much larger investments.

An example of this is a project I visited in Palau a few years ago to establish Palau's solar power plant and battery storage facility.

This project reduces carbon emissions and high fuel costs from diesel generators.

This is one of the largest solar energy projects in the Pacific, backed by Australia.

Recently we provided a further investment to upgrade Palau's electricity network to improve system reliability and allow for greater use of renewable energy, helping to reduce Palau's dependence on imported fossil fuels.

This is just one example of how we are supporting the region's transition to renewable energy and building clean energy industries across the Pacific.

3. Thirdly, we all know that infrastructure projects also create jobs.

I was in Honiara in June, and I announced $11 million contribution to the Solomon Islands National Transport Fund to cover repairs, maintenance and upgrades to key roads.

We understand the impact of deteriorating roads for getting to work, getting produce to market and getting children and family members to school or health services.

Our $11 million contribution will be allocated based on Solomon Island's priorities, and we are making sure all these projects are delivered by local companies.

This will not only support local companies to thrive, it will also create local jobs and provide local income to be spent in Solomon Islands.

We want to draw on local expertise and support Pacific countries to build the skills and experience of their workers.

The AIFFP ensures local benefits by working with partners to set targets or commitments on local content levels in its project contracts.

This is also growing the private sector in Pacific countries, boosting demand for local equipment and services while also developing local capability.

I ask you this, can a development partner be genuine if they don't trust your workers to build your infrastructure?

We want to continue growing local content in the infrastructure projects that we fund.

4. We also want to strengthen connections across the region

Looking ahead, of course, there are a lot of exciting areas in which infrastructure can make transformational changes to Pacific lives.

The world is changing incredibly rapidly and a lot of that is driven by technology.

Technology that can connect our people, our businesses and our countries.

By the end of 2025, all Pacific Island Forum countries will be connected via submarine telecommunication cables.

This is an unprecedented milestone in regional connectivity.

Two cables are due to go live later this year…

…The East Micronesia Cable connecting the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and Nauru.

…and the Tuvalu Vaka Cable.

These cables connect individuals, businesses and communities to each other and the world, unlocking a host of new digital services and economic opportunities, including access to education, healthcare and e-commerce.

Palau Paradise Express extension

Of course, we also strengthen our people to people links and Australia's connection to our neighbours with aviation infrastructure.

It links diaspora communities with family at home and supports economic development by supporting the tourism industry…

That's why:

…We are working with the Government of Timor-Leste to upgrade the International Airport in Dili.

…We are working with the Government of Nauru to upgrade its International Airport.

…And we are working with Airports Fiji to upgrade key airports across Fiji.

As we are here in Brisbane, I'm also reminded of the importance of flight services between our countries.

And I'm really excited to announce that the Albanese Government is extending support for the Palau Paradise Express to continue the non-stop Qantas flights that connects Australia and Palau.

The flights will now extend that great service to Palau for another 12 months, until at least the end of 2026…

…to bring Australia, Palau and other Micronesia states closer together and support economic growth through tourism and two-way trade opportunities.

In the last nine months, over 5000 passengers have travelled on the Paradise Express and over the next year there will be thousands more.

Conclusion

So we know that there is more work to do and there is always room for improvement.

Australia wants to continue partnering with you as a trusted partner for infrastructure projects in the Pacific, with transparent investment to support high quality construction and utilising local labour to create jobs and support the local economy.

We want to work with you to strengthen economic development and regional connectivity…

…You can count on us to finance resilient infrastructure projects that help with the clean energy transition and climate related impacts like cyclones and earthquakes …

…Support Pacific-grown workforces and private sectors.

You can count on us to fund projects that are built by local workers.

And you can count on us to support your infrastructure priorities.

This is about building a future that is shaped and chosen by Pacific communities – the future you want to build.

Thank you for having me here this morning.

I wish you a productive conference and I look forward to hearing more about your discussions.

Thank you all again for coming to Brisbane today.

Following successful landings in Kiribati and Nauru, the East Micronesia Cable has landed in Kosrae, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), its final Pacific nation, with the international telecommunications cable now just months away from being ready for service.

The cable lay ship – the Normand Clipper – successfully landed the cable in Kosrae on 16 August. The occasion was celebrated with an event that marked the formal handover of the Cable Ceremonial Buoy, used to float the cable into shore.

The Honorable Aren B. Palik, Vice President, Governor Kosrae State, Tulensa W. Palik, and FSM Congress Senators Yoselyn Sigrah and Johnson Asher marked the occasion, alongside senior representatives from the FSM national and Kosrae state governments, and the project’s funding partners – Australia, Japan and the United States.

“The East Micronesia Cable will play an essential role in securing FSM’s digital future,” Australia’s Charge to FSM, Ms Sarah McCarthy said. “Australia is proud to celebrate this milestone alongside our partners and invest in critical infrastructure that meets the priorities of communities across the Pacific.”

The AUD135 million project is fully grant funded by Australia, via the AIFFP, alongside Japan and the United States. It will deliver a 2,250-kilometre-long undersea cable and supporting infrastructure connecting Tarawa in Kiribati, Nauru and the state of Kosrae in FSM to the existing HANTRU-1 cable landing point located in Pohnpei, FSM.

The East Micronesia Cable will bring faster, high quality and more reliable and affordable internet to more than 100,000 people across the three Pacific countries, providing better access to services, information and worldwide markets.

The project will improve the availability of digital government services and enable increased trade and employment opportunities. It will also strengthen the countries’ resilience to climate change, assisting governments with disaster and climate change preparedness and reducing the chances of an outage in the event of adverse weather events.

The event follows successful cable landings in Tarawa, Kiribati and Nauru in recent weeks and marks the final connection point for the cable. The cable is expected to be ready for service in November 2025.

Australia is proud to invest in essential infrastructure that meets the priorities of Pacific communities and supports better connectivity within and across Pacific nations.

Every home in the remote village of Lawital on Vanuatu’s Tanna Island now has access to clean, reliable solar power, thanks to an Australia-supported off-grid renewable energy partnership led by local women.

More than 800 people across Lawital’s 115 households are benefitting from new solar lighting and charging systems, as well as solar streetlights installed in 10 key public spaces. Five community centres have also been powered through the project.

It’s made possible through an Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnership between ActionAid Vanuatu, PowerWells, Women I TokTok Tugeta (WITTT) Network and the Australian Government, supported through AIFFP’s Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP).

“This project will be a great benefit in my community. It solves everything, it makes our lives easier, and our children will be very happy,” said Napuat Kasso, WITTT Taskforce Leader on Tanna.

Flora Vano, ActionAid Vanuatu Country Manager, said: “The women of Lawital have been calling for access to electricity so their children can do homework, to help them with cooking, and to improve safety in the community. And now with their leadership, they have made it happen. It’s fantastic to see so many women in the village trained up to install and repair the solar systems. This truly is a women-led project, and it will be a huge turning point for the village of Lawital.”

Minister for Climate Change, Adaptation, Geohazards, Meteorology & Energy the Hon Ralph Regenvanu attended a special celebration event on Tuesday hosted by Chief Nafima at Lawital’s Nakamal to mark the end of the partnership project. He was joined by Minister of Internal Affairs the Hon Andrew Solomon Napuat, President of Tafea Province Mr Andrew Iawak Nipio, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Vanuatu H.E. Nicola Simmonds and Australia’s High Commissioner to Vanuatu H. E. Max Willis.

The celebration also featured a cultural performance by the Dhamuw Koedal Dance Group from the Torres Strait Islands in Australia.

“Australia is committed to supporting clean energy solutions that are locally led and inclusive,” said Australia’s High Commissioner to Vanuatu, H.E. Max Willis, at the event. “This project is a powerful example of what communities can achieve when they place women at the centre of energy access. Together, we're not only lighting up homes, we’re also supporting safer, stronger and more climate-resilient communities across Vanuatu.”

Delivered through the WITTT Network, the project uses a PayGo rent-to-own model, with monthly payments reinvested into a community-managed fund. This supports ongoing system maintenance, future renewable energy installations and new income-generating opportunities for women.

“These systems are made from e-waste and recycled components, assembled and maintained by the women of Lawital,” explains Bradley Clair, PowerWells Co-founder. “It’s a model that’s good for people, good for the planet and built to last.”

Since 2024, Australia has invested around VUV 390 million (AUD 5 million) in off-grid renewable energy projects in Vanuatu through PCIFP investment in both REnew Pacific and its pilot Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships program through the Business Partnerships Platform. 

Learn more about the partnership.

The East Micronesia Cable landed in Nauru on 9 August, following a successful landing in July in Kiribati. The international telecommunications cable is now just months away from being ready for service.

The occasion was celebrated with an event which marked the floating in of the cable to the Nauru landing site from the cable lay ship, with a large buoy. Acting President, the Hon. Jesse Jeremiah, The Hon. Shadlog Bernicke, M.P. Minister for Information, Communication and Technology and Hon. Charmaine Eraidinomo Scotty, M.P. Minister for Health attended the event, alongside funding   partner representatives from Australia, Japan and the United States, Nauru government officials, and children from Nauru Primary School. 

Australia’s Acting High Commissioner to Nauru, Mr Stephen Close attended the major milestone alongside Ambassador of Japan, His Excellency Rokuichiro Michii, and US Embassy Fiji First Secretary, Kelly Busby. Mr Close remarked that the cable landing is not just about technology, but about the generations of Nauruans who will benefit from it. 

Nauru Primary School students toured the Cable Landing Station and are excited for the enhanced opportunities for their online learning due to improved internet access. 

The AUD135 million project is funded by Australia, with a grant of up to AUD65 million via the AIFFP, alongside Japan and the United States. It will deliver a 2,250-kilometre-long undersea cable and supporting infrastructure connecting Tarawa in Kiribati, Nauru and the state of Kosrae in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) to the existing HANTRU-1 cable landing point located in Pohnpei, FSM.

The East Micronesia Cable will bring faster, high quality and more reliable and affordable internet to more than 100,000 people across the three Pacific countries, providing better access to services, information and worldwide markets.

The project will improve the availability of digital government services and enable increased trade and employment opportunities. It will also strengthen the countries’ resilience to climate change, assisting governments with disaster and climate change preparedness and reducing the chances of an outage in the event of adverse weather events.

A third Ceremonial Buoy event to mark the final cable landing in Kosrae, FSM will be held in the coming weeks, with the cable expected to be ready for service in November 2025.

Australia is proud to invest in essential infrastructure that meets the priorities of Pacific communities and supports better connectivity within and across Pacific nations.

The East Micronesia Cable has landed in Kiribati, marking an important milestone in providing the community with faster, high quality, more affordable and reliable internet. 

The project will provide the first undersea telecommunications cable for South Tarawa, strengthening Kiribati's climate resilience, assisting governments with disaster and climate change preparedness and reducing the chances of an outage in the event of adverse weather events. Most importantly, the cable will connect families and communities – to each other – across atolls, across the region and globally.

With representatives from the project’s development partner governments gathering alongside Kiribati government officials in Tarawa to celebrate the major milestone, the event marked the arrival of the international telecommunications cable to the landing site at Nanikai from the cable lay ship. 

Australia was represented by our Special Envoy for the Pacific and Regional Affairs, His Excellency Ewen McDonald. “Today’s event marks a critical milestone in improving telecommunications connectivity for Kiribati to ensure its progression into a digital future” said Mr McDonald. 

Funded by Australia, Japan and the United States, the East Micronesia Cable will improve connectivity across Kiribati, Nauru and Federated States of Micronesia (FSM). Local partners are leading delivery of the project, which in Kiribati include the Ministry of Information, Communication and Transport and BwebwerikiNET Limited.

The cable landing is an important milestone towards increased economic growth and development for the region, with the project to deliver a 2,250-metre-long undersea cable and supporting infrastructure connecting Kiribati, Nauru and FSM to the existing HANTRU-1 cable landing point located in Pohnpei, FSM.

Once in service, the cable is expected to provide more than 100,000 people across the three countries with increased availability of digital government services and enables increased trade and employment opportunities.

Australia is supporting the AUD135 million project via the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), with a grant of up to AUD65 million.

The AIFFP is committed to principles of quality infrastructure delivery, with the project delivering local labour and job opportunities. 

“The East Micronesia Cable project will be transformative for the people of Kiribati,” Australia’s High Commissioner to Kiribati, Mr Mark Foxe said.

“Australia is proud to celebrate this critical milestone alongside our partners and invest in infrastructure that has real impact on communities across the Pacific.”

Ceremonial Buoy events in Nauru and Kosrae in FSM will be held in the coming weeks, with the cable expected to be ready for service in November 2025.

For more information about the project, visit the AIFFP website or the East Micronesia Cable website, which provides information in English, Gilbertese, Kosraean and Nauruan.

Earlier this month, two barges loaded with plant and equipment critical for the maritime works at Kimbe port departed from Townsville, Queensland, Australia. The journey will take approximately 12 days and will deliver equipment to commence construction at Kimbe port in West New Britain.

The Kimbe marine works are part of the Ports Infrastructure Investment Program (PIIP) funded by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), which will upgrade five ports across PNG (Kimbe, Oro Bay, Daru, Kavieng, and Lae).

Earlier this year, Pacific Marine Group Pty Ltd (PMG) was contracted to undertake the complex marine works at Kimbe, with the contract valued at PGK260 million. This project is anticipated to boost to the local economy and provide opportunities for local Papua New Guinean firms delivering benefits to the local community. The work is expected to support access to greater economic opportunity to the people of West New Britain through local employment and skills development opportunities.

CEO of PNG Ports Corporation Ltd, Mr Neil Papenfus says that he’s happy to see significant progress with mobilisation of PMG into Kimbe.

“It is exciting to see. As we draw closer to commencement of work, we are committed to ensuring the project is delivered on time, on budget and to international standards for the benefit of the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said.

Business Development Manager for PMG Mr Andrew Morris is also pleased to see this collaboration advance.

“We’ve officially moved into the mobilisation phase of the Kimbe Port Redevelopment with a strong team and a clear vision for the future of this critical infrastructure,” he said.

The project involves the demolition and construction of a new wharf structure as well as restoration works to the existing wharf and revetment walls with works scheduled to conclude in 2026.

In the coming months local firm Global Constructions Ltd will also mobilise to Kimbe and commence the shore-based works at the port through a contract valued at PGK79 million.

The deployment of this equipment is a very welcome first step just ahead of Papua New Guinea’s golden jubilee celebrations for the 50th Independence Anniversary in September. Progressing this work and enhancing vital maritime links to Kimbe is an important milestone and a great tribute to the very close relationship that PNG shares with Australia.

Fixim Sola, a new solar repair training course launched last month in Vanuatu’s Tafea Province, is giving local communities the tools, skills and confidence to manage solar waste, improve energy access and create new job opportunities.

Launched in June, 48 participants from five islands, including 18 women and four people with disabilities, took part in two weeks of hands-on learning led by the University of New South Wales in partnership with the Vanuatu Disability Promotion Advocacy Association, Vanuatu Institute of Technology, University of the South Pacific and the Vanuatu Department of Energy. 

Jocelyn Iaioha, a single mother from South West Tanna, hopes the skills she gained will help launch a new career. “I’m hoping to become an entrepreneur and start a business in solar system operations to earn money. It is hard, but I believe and trust in myself that I can do it. If I can do it, other women can too - and I will be a role model for my daughter.”

Roy Daniel, a police officer who maintains the emergency radio system for Tafea Province, also took part. “Fixim Sola is very important because many people across Tafea have solar systems. It’s important for us to have the knowledge and tools to fix them properly.”

Hear from participants about what the training meant to them.

The training is part of a larger initiative to tackle solar e-waste in off-grid communities and support the creation of local repair and recycling systems. In August, trained participants will take part in planning sessions to set up community repair hubs, lead local repair days, raise awareness about maintenance and cyclone preparedness, and share their new skills with others.

A school-based program will also begin in September at Lini Memorial High School on Pentecost Island, helping young people understand solar technology and develop practical skills for the future.

The Fixim Sola course is one part of a broader solar panel recycling and reuse program in Vanuatu, supported by the Australian Government. Over time, the program is expected to benefit more than 55,000 people.

Since 2024, Australia has invested around AUD 5 million in off-grid renewable energy projects in Vanuatu through the Off-Grid Renewable Energy Partnerships, a pilot program under REnew Pacific. The partnership is supported through the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), a $350 million Australian Government initiative delivered by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).

Learn more about the partnership: Harnessing the circular economy to tackle solar e-waste in Vanuatu.