NEXTDC will build a $2 billion digital campus at Fishermans Bend in Melbourne following Victorian government support.
The tech company’s M4 Melbourne facility will feature an AI Factory, Mission Critical Operations Centre and Technology Centre of Excellence. Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Economic Growth Danny Pearson joined NEXTDC CEO Craig Scroggie to announce the major investment on Thursday 12 June.
The Victorian government provided facilitation support to help establish the hub, which will create thousands of jobs across technology, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, defence technology and advanced research sectors.
NEXTDC’s $2 billion digital campus in Melbourne
- Investment: $2 billion digital campus
- Location: Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct
- Features: AI Factory, Mission Critical Operations Centre, Technology Centre of Excellence
- Jobs: Thousands of positions in tech, AI, digital infrastructure and defence technology
- Timeline: Part of precinct supporting 30,000 jobs by 2051
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“We’re open for business and we’re backing Victorians every step of the way,” Premier Jacinta Allan said. “This major investment means more jobs and training for the next generation of tech workers.”
Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs Danny Pearson said: “This project will create high-skilled jobs for Victorians and lay the groundwork to support future developments in AI, advanced manufacturing and defence. We are working hard to attract and grow these opportunities, which are creating a thriving and globally competitive tech sector, right here in Victoria.”
NEXTDC’s facility will integrate with the Fishermans Bend Innovation Precinct, which received almost $180 million in government investment to become a centre for advanced manufacturing, engineering and design.
“This major investment by NEXTDC is another clear signal to the world that Fishermans Bend is a key industry and market centre for growth and in-demand industries, which in turn is driving jobs and economic growth for Victoria,” Minister for Development Victoria and Precincts Harriet Shing said.
Member for Albert Park Nina Taylor said: “We have the vision, we have the people, we have the skills and we have the ideal location. This is a big win for Fishermans Bend and Victoria.”
A new campus for Melbourne University
The precinct will include the University of Melbourne’s new Engineering and Design campus, creating an ideal environment for the Technology Centre of Excellence.
NEXTDC CEO Craig Scroggie said: “Precincts matter. They create the gravitational pull for investment, innovation, and talent. By anchoring M4 at Fishermans Bend, we’re activating a nationally integrated ecosystem for industrial AI, defence, research, and deep tech. We are building the foundational infrastructure for Australia’s participation in the next wave of global innovation—from artificial intelligence and cloud computing to defence, quantum, and space technologies.”
Victoria’s technology sector contributes more than $34 billion to the state economy and supports over 306,000 workers, representing 30% of Australia’s tech workforce. The NEXTDC investment aligns with the government’s Economic Growth Statement, which allocated $240 million across 40 initiatives with technology and defence identified as priority sectors.
The Victorian government recently released the Victorian Industry Policy outlining collaboration between government, businesses and researchers to leverage new technology for local industry growth. The policy framework supports major investments like NEXTDC’s digital campus through streamlined business investment processes.
Fishermans Bend’s development as an innovation precinct reflects Victoria’s strategy to attract global technology companies and create high-skilled employment opportunities. The precinct’s proximity to Melbourne’s central business district and existing infrastructure makes it attractive for major technology investments.
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