New vision for Sydney tech industry
The NSW Government is joining forces with the tech industry to help design a major new technology and innovation precinct it hopes will generate more jobs and cement Sydney’s reputation as the innovation capital of Australia.
Atlassian, Australia’s largest tech company, along with other industry players including co-working space Fishburners, and industry representative body Tech Sydney, will work with the NSW Government to co-create the precinct.
A NSW Government taskforce, headed by Jobs for NSW chair David Thodey, will be created to lead design and development of the new technology and innovation precinct, stretching from Central to Eveleigh.
Representatives from University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney and Sydney Business Chamber will join the taskforce, as well as industry experts from a wide range of Australian start-ups.
The initiative is expected to create 10,000 new jobs by 2036.
As well as driving more employment and investment, the planned technology precinct will help revitalise the Central to Eveleigh area and safeguard its important heritage.
“Sydney and NSW are generating the jobs of the future and this new technology precinct will help turbo-charge our economy,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This will cement Sydney as the technology capital of Australia and create more secure jobs. Central to Eveleigh is already home to Australia’s largest cluster of start-up firms. We want to use that as a base to grow new jobs and new businesses.”
Minister for Trade and Industry Niall Blair said this was not just about a location but about creating a shared vision for the growth of NSW’s tech sector over the next 30 years.
“We know that government can’t do that alone and we need to work with the firms that are driving innovation today, and those that will be delivering the opportunities of tomorrow,” Mr Blair said.
“The Central to Eveleigh area is uniquely placed as an innovation precinct and is ideal for technology firms to attract and retain Australian and international talent.
“The new precinct, which will benefit from excellent transport links, will help revitalise this part of Sydney and support a thriving services, education and related industries.”
Atlassian Co-Founder and co-CEO Scott Farquhar said he’s excited to be involved in the creation of Sydney’s new technology precinct.
“If you look at every successful innovation hub in the world, from Silicon Valley to Tel Aviv, they all have a centre of gravity – a place the start-up community calls home,” Mr Farquhar said.
“I’m delighted that now our tech community will have the same opportunity to point to a map and call it home.
“Sydney has the potential to be of one of the world’s leading tech cities and the creation of a tech hub sends a very loud signal – not only to the country, but to the rest of the world – that we’re in the race.”
