NEXTDC, a prominent data center-as-a-service provider in Australia, has unveiled plans for a groundbreaking $2 billion AI Factory and Technology Campus at Fishermans Bend in Melbourne. This next-generation digital campus, known as M4 Melbourne, is set to include an AI Factory, Mission Critical Operations Centre, and a Technology Centre of Excellence, all aimed at advancing Australia’s competitive edge in technology.
Craig Scroggie, the CEO and Managing Director of NEXTDC, emphasized that M4 is not just a data center but critical infrastructure for Australia’s AI future. Located at the former Westgate Park Printing Complex, the campus signifies a shift towards producing intelligence in the AI era, replacing the traditional printing activities that once took place there.
The Fishermans Bend campus will consist of three core facilities: the AI Factory, designed for sovereign AI with high-density liquid cooling capabilities; the Mission Critical Operations Centre (MCX), providing secure environments for high-stakes digital operations; and the Technology Centre of Excellence, serving as a hub for AI skills development and innovation in deep tech.
Planned infrastructure highlights at M4 include up to 150MW of power, liquid cooling systems supporting high rack densities, on-site solar and microgrids for energy sustainability, waste heat recovery, and government and defense-grade compliance standards.
The development of M4 aims to position Australia as a regional hub for hyperscale AI, defense workloads, and sovereign systems, enhancing the country’s global standing in the AI infrastructure race. The project is expected to create thousands of high-value jobs and foster innovation across various sectors, including AI, digital infrastructure, defense technology, and advanced research.
The Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, the Hon. Danny Pearson MP, expressed enthusiasm about the project’s potential to drive economic growth, high-skilled job creation, and support for future developments in AI, advanced manufacturing, and defense. The investment in M4 underscores Australia’s commitment to technological advancement and economic competitiveness in the fourth industrial revolution.
M4 is poised to anchor the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct, a strategic hub for advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and deep tech. Collaborations with institutions like RMIT University and defense partners are set to enhance research, innovation, and talent development within the precinct, fostering a thriving tech sector in Victoria.
The establishment of the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct has garnered support from various industry leaders, including engineering and systems integration companies, defense industry advocates, and technology experts. The precinct is expected to drive growth, innovation, and collaboration in AI, secure data infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
In conclusion, NEXTDC’s ambitious project at Fishermans Bend represents a significant step towards securing Australia’s position in the global AI landscape. By investing in cutting-edge infrastructure and fostering collaboration across industries, M4 is poised to shape Australia’s technological future and drive economic growth in the digital age.
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