Innovation Precinct under way
THE Pulse Data Centre developer FKG is advancing talks to develop an innovation precinct surrounding the $40 million facility that will enhance the $11 billion worth of developments under way in Toowoomba.
FKG executive chairman Gary Gardner said the company was in discussions with “multiple strategic partners” about developing the Toowoomba Technology Park’s Innovation Precinct and “we are confident that we will turn the first sod by the end of the year”.
He said the State Government’s $10 million interest free loan spurred on the facility’s early development.
Toowoomba Mayor Paul Antonio said the facility demonstrated the multi-billion dollar private sector investment in the region’s economy.
“Pulse Data Centre is another important piece of the infrastructure puzzle that places our region at the cutting edge of innovation across a broad range of industries including agriculture, education, health, IT and mining,” he said.
Regional Development Minister and Groom MP John McVeigh said the facility was a “fundamental change to a whole new business model and industry model”, and should draw interest from government departments including the defence industry.
“I would be really keen to see government clients use the data centre as well,” he said.
“I think we will see increased information technology jobs, and that will apply just as much to the private sector as the public sector. This is not happening anywhere else in regional Australia.”