Innovation

The University and the City are currently considering a strategy to further expand the Park.  The University has recently completed a major Concept Planning study (employing a third party consultant) in relation to 22 hectares of land to the east of the Park.  The study and its recommendations have been endorsed by the University and will pave the way for the development of a further 8 major buildings across the next 10 to 15 years.  These buildings will house a further 1500 to 2000 people employed within information and communication technologies (as well as other technology based sectors).

The expanded development has the potential to create a further $200 million of capital investment.  Its close proximity to the University (to staff and students) and the existing Technology Park, will enable the second stage Park to develop into a vibrant and dynamic precinct, generating significant economic and social benefits for the City and region.

Currently the Ballarat Technology Park is characterised by the following statistics:

  • Largest regional Technology Park in Australia
  • 1400 employees across 30 enterprises
  • 1:1 jobs generator within the region
  • $60 million in capital assets
  • 24,170 in 9 buildings
  • $300 million per annum in economic outputs (direct and flow on)
  • $176 million per annum in value added economic outputs (direct and flow on)
  • $100 million per annum in household income (direct and flow on)

Of the 1,400 people employed within the University of Ballarat Technology Park, 800 are employees of IBM Australia.  IBM’s existing operations centre on software development, call centre, remote technical support, business processing and eSecurity.  This facility will employ a further 350 IBM people.

Hence, IBM’s total employment within the Technology Park will exceed 1,000 people within the next two years.

The most recent IBM development, a $10.8 million IT Service Centre, has been funded by the University of Ballarat and the Victorian State Government.  The City of Ballarat has provided investment incentives to IBM to expand within the region.  This important regional project is generating important economic and social benefits for the region, and typifies the collaborative manner in which the University and other key stakeholders approach the concept of building a dynamic ICT industry sector.

There are numerous other projects which highlight new investment within ICT in the region.  Firstly, the University and IBM Australia are currently working together on a project proposal that will see a $10 million redevelopment of one of the buildings within the Technology Park, enabling the establishment of a tier 3 data centre.  This facility will enable data from across Australia (and possibly overseas) to be stored and managed in a very secure and low risk environment.

Secondly, the University is working collaboratively with the Emergency Services Telecommunication Authority, an emergency services 000 call-taking agency.  The potential exists to further expand this agency from 100 employees up to 300 employees.  Currently, this agency supports Fire, State Emergency Services and Ambulance.  The potential exists to also provide emergency call-taking for Police.  The University and the agency are purposefully working towards achieving this objective, the growth in the local workforce, and the introduction of new and enhanced communication technologies. 

Thirdly, Vertex Australia, a UK based company, as part of ongoing Australian expansion plans, will establish a site employing 600 staff in Ballarat. With a financial commitment of in excess of $10 million this represents demonstrated confidence in the overall ability of Ballarat, it’s infrastructure and skill set to meet the demand of a globally positioned company in delivering high quality, well prepared individuals.