Amazon Web Services to invest $13bn into Australian cloud infrastructure

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced it plans to invest $13.2 billion in its existing cloud infrastructure in Sydney and Melbourne over the next four years. Amazon expects this investment to contribute $35 billion to Australia’s total gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027 and will support an estimated average of 11,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs at local Australian businesses each year.

Major Australian AWS customers who will benefit from this investment include Atlassian, Qantas, NAB, Swoop, Aero, and government agencies including the Australian Bureau of Statistics, NSW Health Pathology, and the Western Australian Department of Education.

“Digital transformation is integral to Australia’s future prosperity. A whole-of-nation effort is required to ensure Australia and its citizens and businesses can be resilient, secure, and prosperous,” said the Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia. “Economic and infrastructure investment from cloud providers like Amazon Web Services (AWS) helps create jobs, advances digital skills, boosts innovation, and uplifts local communities and businesses. The Australian Government acknowledges AWS’s investment into the nation over the past decade, and welcomes its planned investment over the next five years, the full-time jobs supported annually, and contribution to the nation’s GDP.”

AWS’ Asia Pacific Sydney Region launched in 2012. Over the past decade, AWS has already invested more than $9.1 billion in Australia. Amazon launched its AWS Asia Pacific Melbourne Region in January 2023. Also announced is a “local zone” expansion services that provide similar cloud services to people in Perth, with Brisbane set to follow. Amazon is also set to power its global operations with 100 percent renewable energy by 2025, a scheme which will be implemented in these expansions. In Australia, Amazon has committed to offtake 262 megawatts (MW) combined in clean energy capacity across three utility-scale renewable projects.

“For over a decade, AWS has invested billions of dollars into Australia through infrastructure and jobs, and worked closely with the public sector, and local customers and partners, to be a force multiplier across the nation,” said Rianne Van Veldhuizen, AWS managing director for Australia and New Zealand. “Cloud computing is the backbone of Australia and its businesses, helping drive innovation across many key industries in our thriving economy. We are committed to positive social and economic impact, investing in local community engagement programs, workforce development initiatives, cloud infrastructure, and renewable energy project investments. Our plan to invest more than $13 billion into the country over the next five years will help create more positive ripple effects, further solidifying Australia’s position in the global economy.”

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