Data centres are fast becoming the industrial backbone of Victoria’s digital economy, powering AI, cloud computing and advanced manufacturing, attracting investment, creating high-value jobs, and shoring up Victoria's global digital future.

Join CEDA for a keynote address from recently appointed Minister Steve Dimopoulos MP followed by an expert discussion panel, exploring how new federal and state ground rules on energy and water are reshaping the economics of data centres, and how Victoria can position itself as the Asia-Pacific’s preferred destination for next-generation digital infrastructure.

Key themes:

• Energy: Turning access to power into an economic advantage by accelerating investment in renewables, grid upgrades and storage.

• Cooling: Water use, transparency and social licence, including investment in recycled water and new technologies.

• Planning: Unlocking faster approvals, precincts and co-location innovation, community engagement, environmental considerations.

• Workforce: Creating sustained demand for skilled trades, engineers, digital specialists, building a pipeline of future-focused roles for both local employment and global competitiveness.

• Digital infrastructure: Core economic enabler to sectors including AI and cloud computing, advanced manufacturing, health, finance, defence, logistics and government services. 

• Investment: Data centres as Victoria’s next cornerstone asset class, unlocking private capital.

• Global and export opportunities: Software and digital services, data capability, design and engineering, energy solutions, cooling technologies.

• Asia-Pacific digital economy: With proximity to Asia, strong connectivity and regulatory stability, Victoria is well-placed to service regional demand for AI, cloud and sovereign data, opening up opportunity for regional growth, cross-border investment and international partnerships.

• “Sustainable by design”: How leadership in next-generation infrastructure can shape customer choice, investment and reputation, turning sustainability into commercial advantage.