Information and Communication Technology

Ballarat is home to over 100 ICT businesses which employ in excess of 2,000 people, with the industry continuing to grow. Businesses range in size from multinationals to medium size international and Australian firms, right down to small and micro businesses.

The Ballarat ICT sector is a key strength of the Ballarat economy, providing ICT services and expertise, as well as enabling technology for the rest of Ballarat's knowledge based economy.

At the core of the ICT industry is the University of Ballarat Technology Park (UBTP), located on a 29 hectare site, 10km from the centre of Ballarat.

Adjacent to the University of Ballarat's Mt Helen Campus, the UBTP is ideally situated to take advantage of the applied, academic and research knowledge available at its doorstep, with opportunities to broker strategic alliances and commercial relationships.

The proximity to the University allows tenants of UBTP to attract the skills and talent that will assist them in achieving their objectives. Established in 1995 the UBTP is a well developed technology precinct and is characterised by the following:

• Employs approximately 1400 people across 30 enterprises
• $350 million per annum in outputs (direct/flow on)
• $165 million per annum in value added (direct/flow on)
• $106 million per annum in household income (direct/flow on)
• $50 million in capital assets

The University of Ballarat and the City of Ballarat have identified a further 60 hectares of land to the north of the existing park for growth. This will allow for the continued expansion of this exciting and dynamic precinct.

Ballarat has undertaken significant planning and organisation in relation to the ICT sector. To ensure a planned and coherent approach to the development of ICT throughout the region, the City of Ballarat has established Ballarat ICT Limited. Ballarat ICT Limited is a joint body of the City of Ballarat, the University of Ballarat and industry leaders.

Ballarat ICT Limited is an independent body that plays an important role in implementing the directions and programs articulated in Ballarat ICT 2030.

Ballarat ICT 2030, outlines where Ballarat intends to be in the future, and implements a course of action to ensure that we continue to remain at the forefront of the ICT industry.

Ballarat represents an important investment destination for any ICT enterprise that is keen to grow and compete in the global economy. Ballarat's strengths include: 

• well established and successful Technology Park
• supported by a young, progressive and innovative university
• low cost environment
• strong leadership from the City of Ballarat and Ballarat ICT
• Limited, providing a proactive development approach to the sector

Telecommunication

Ballarat has a high demand for efficient and reliable telecommunications infrastructure, with approximately 74% of  Ballarat residents being currently connected to the internet. This percentage indicates a highly ICT literate community.

In recent years, Ballarat has emerged as an industry leader in telecommunications and has delivered a number of significant ICT outcomes including: increased community and business usage, attracting new ICT business to Ballarat and the growth of existing businesses.

Ballarat residents and businesses are fortunate to have a range of high speed broadband alternatives available to them. Over 90% of the Ballarat population has access to high speed broadband services comparable to those available in metropolitan areas. For businesses looking to invest in Ballarat, a comprehensive range of fully redundant services are available, which provide high speed connectivity to the internet.