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Centre Stage

AirTrunk, CDC, NextDC, AWS, Microsoft join forces on new peak body for data centres

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The news: Data centre companies including AirTrunk, Amazon Web Services, CDC Data Centres, Microsoft and NextDC have been unveiled as the first members of a new peak body aimed to secure Australia’s place as a major hub for AI infrastructure investment and sustainable development.

The context: Data Centres Australia was launched today by assistant minister for science, technology and the digital economy, Andrew Charlton.

The announcement follows a two-year informal pilot between AirTrunk, Amazon Web Services, CDC Data Centres, Microsoft and NextDC. Other new members of Data Centres Australia include Equinix, Goodman Group, Schneider Electric, Stack Infrastructure and TikTok.

Data Centres Australia, which will be led by CEO Belinda Dennett, will work with government and industry to address challenges in areas such as planning and development energy, water and workforce. Its aim is to provide dedicated engagement, collaboration, education and advocacy for the data centre sector in Australia.

What they said: “This is an extraordinary time with the world racing for strategic advantage in AI infrastructure,” said Dennett.

“Australia has already produced several world-class data centre companies and captured the attention of the global AI ecosystem. By working together to establish the best possible policy settings and supporting infrastructure like energy and water, we have a generational chance to capture substantial additional value for the nation.”

Charlton commented: “Data centres are a great opportunity for Australia. They are the engines of the modern economy and can contribute to Australia’s productivity and sustainability agendas. The establishment of Data Centres Australia is an important step forward in ensuring the sector can fulfil its potential and make a positive impact in Australia.”

The source: Data Centres Australia media release


By Hugo Mathers