Premier John Brumby today announced that computer giant IBM will open a $10.8 million IT Services Centre at the Ballarat Technology Park, creating 300 new jobs in the city.
Mr 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 Victorian Government is taking action to create jobs and drive new employment through research and innovation,” Mr Brumby said.
“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.
"Over the next five years it will create 300 jobs and is expected to contribute an additional $61 million to the region’s economy. "
“It builds on the 446,600 jobs created in Victoria since we came to office in 1999, a rise of 20.4 per cent across the state.”
Mr Brumby said the state-of-the-art facility would 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.
“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.
The Victorian Government has committed $5 million from the Regional Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) to support the construction of a 3500 square metre facility at the University of Ballarat Technology Park.
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.
“It confirms the Brumby Government's strong support for local ICT to ensure a prosperous and sustainable future for the ICT industry and for Victoria,” Mr Theophanous said.
“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.”
Regional and Rural Development Minister Jacinta Allan said the RIDF support was an excellent example of the way the Brumby Government was working in partnership with regional communities and industry to attract investment and create jobs.