NEXTDC will build its second data centre on the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast’s AI and digital innovation credentials will be turbo charged with a leading digital infrastructure provider to spend $200m on its second data centre in the region.
Leading digital infrastructure provider NEXTDC will build its second data centre on the Sunshine Coast, signalling a major uplift region’s role as a leader in powering Queensland’s AI and digital innovation capabilities.
The Brisbane-based company will invest $200m, with its global hyperscalers and local government partners, to build SC2 in Maroochydore next to the SC1, the ASX-listed company’s first data centre in the region.
The project has received formal construction approval and the new facility will scale and expand the Sunshine Coast’s current data centre capacity and deliver the region’s first dedicated AI Factory.
Importantly, the project closely aligns and supports the Advance Queensland Innovation for a Future Economy 2022-2032 road map by accelerating Queensland’s digital capability as well as positioning the state as an attractive, high-performance hub for AI innovation and next-generation technologies.
NEXTDC chief executive Craig Scroggie said they were investing to “strengthen and extend Queensland’s digital backbone”.
“SC2 is purpose built to deliver sovereign, secure, AI-optimised infrastructure that supports local business and government, attracts global innovation, and future-proofs the state’s role in the intelligence economy,” he said.
“The Sunshine Coast is emerging as a critical digital gateway between Australia, the United States, and Asia.
“SC2 expands the regional infrastructure footprint and strengthens digital connectivity across Southeast Queensland, enabling faster services, new industries, and direct access to APAC through the Australia Connect program.”
The company currently has data centres in all Australian mainland states as well as Malaysia and New Zealand while there are two planned for Japan.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said it was a “defining moment” for the city north of Brisbane.
“NEXTDC’s expansion in the region with SC2 signals our emergence as a serious player in the national digital landscape,” she said.
“It will supercharge our region’s innovation economy and give us the infrastructure to thrive in the age of AI.”
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Originally published as NEXTDC will build its second data centre on the Sunshine Coast
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