North Queensland Data Centre booting up

Date published: 6 August 2019

The North Queensland Regional Data Centre (NQRDC) will soon host some of Townsville’s most secure cloud stored data – which is expected to be operational by the end of the week.

The NQRDC is a key piece of economic and digital infrastructure that will support both Council’s future data centre needs and provide high quality, secure data storage services for the community.

Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill said the Data Centre – which is built on the lower floor of the new Local Disaster Coordination Centre (LDCC) – is another key commitment delivered by Council.

“My team of Councillors is totally committed to building first-class infrastructure right across the city – including the NQRDC,” Cr Hill said.

“The LDCC is one of the strongest buildings in the North and can withstand the severe weather that North Queensland experiences, which makes it the perfect place for the Data Centre.

“The NQRDC will allow global companies and large organisations such as banks and information technology companies to relocate their data servers to the North.”

Queensland based company iSeek were awarded the tender to operate the centre with the fit out supporting up to 60 jobs.

“On top of the 100 jobs created during the construction on the LDCC, the Data Centre has supported dozens of jobs, with two onsite operators moving forward, and workers required to maintain the facility which is great for economy,” Cr Hill said.

“Having a purpose built centre for data storage will cut down on costs of replacing and maintaining specialised equipment such as power supply systems and electrical infrastructure.”

Cr Hill said this critical infrastructure will cement Townsville’s reputation as a leading digital city.

“As part of our smart city strategy, Council wants to work and collaborate with innovators, businesses and residents on infrastructure like the Data Centre to allow our city to thrive in a digital world.

“It’s projects like the NQRDC that show Council’s dedication to building for our future.”