IBM expands regional technology hub in Victoria
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27 August 2008
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Computer giant IBM are set to open a $10.8 million IT Services Centre at the Ballarat Technology Park, creating 300 new jobs in the regional technology hub, located just over an hour west of Melbourne.
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Premier John Brumby said Victoria was the nation’s leader in information and communication technology and IBM’s decision showcased what the state and its regional centres like Ballarat had to offer big business.
The state-of-the-art facility will host specialist ICT services, software application development, ICT support and consulting for IBM’s global operations, servicing clients across the United States, Europe and the Asia Pacific.
“IBM’s Ballarat expansion will be a major boost for the local economy, with the investment to increase education and skills in the region. Over the next five years it will create 300 jobs and is expected to contribute an additional $61 million to the region’s economy,” Mr Brumby said.
“It will further establish Ballarat as a world class ICT hub renowned for its innovation and highly skilled staff, and shows that Ballarat is continuing to build on its strengths, offering investors the right mix of skills, infrastructure and local innovation,” he said.
Victorian Information and Communication Technology Minister Theo Theophanous said IBM’s decision to expand its operations in Ballarat reaffirmed Victoria's place at the centre of Australia’s important ICT industry.
“Victoria’s highly skilled ICT professionals and graduates are recognised as some of the best in their field and are a major factor in attracting ICT investment.
"Ballarat has established itself as a centre of ICT excellence through the Ballarat Technology Park and through the University of Ballarat’s solid reputation for delivering highly-skilled graduates,” he said.
IBM Integrated Technology Services general manager Australia and New Zealand John Twine said he was delighted to be building on the company’s presence in Ballarat and continue working with the University to foster skills development and contribute to job creation.
“Ballarat offers not only the infrastructure but also high-quality graduates who will enable us to accelerate the development of innovative technology solutions for our clients across the globe," Mr Twine said.
Victoria’s ICT industry generates $24.4 billion in annual revenue, exports over $1.8 billion and employs more than 84,000 people.
The new IBM project adds to more than $1.7 billion in ICT investment equating to the creation of more than 12,000 jobs facilitated by the Victorian Government since October 1999.
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