Bendigo's Digital Future: What Happens Next and the Key Decisions Ahead

Bendigo's digital future is at a crossroads, with the city's leaders facing key decisions on how to drive growth, investment, and innovation in the tech sector. The recent announcement of a new digital hub at La Trobe University's Bendigo campus is a significant step forward, but it is just the beginning.

The development of Bendigo's digital economy is crucial for the city's future prosperity, with the potential to create new jobs, attract businesses, and improve the quality of life for residents. With the city's population projected to grow to over 150,000 by 2030, there is a pressing need for investment in digital infrastructure, including high-speed broadband, data centers, and cybersecurity. The Bendigo Tech School, located on McCrae Street, is already playing a key role in developing the city's digital skills, but more needs to be done to support the growth of the sector.

Local Initiatives and Investments

The City of Greater Bendigo has launched several initiatives to support the growth of the digital economy, including the Bendigo Digital Strategy, which aims to make the city a leading digital hub in regional Australia. The strategy includes plans to develop a digital precinct in the city center, with a focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. The Bendigo Innovation Hub, located on Bath Lane, is already home to a number of startups and small businesses, and is seen as a key driver of the city's digital growth. Meanwhile, organizations such as the Bendigo Business Council and the Committee for Bendigo are working to promote the city's digital capabilities and attract new investment.

According to data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the digital economy is already a significant contributor to the Bendigo region, with over 1,300 businesses operating in the sector and employing over 3,500 people. The sector is also generating significant revenue, with the ABS reporting that the digital economy in the Bendigo region was worth over $430 million in 2020-21. With the right investment and support, there is potential for the sector to grow even further, with estimates suggesting that the digital economy could be worth over $1 billion by 2025.

As the city's leaders look to the future, there are several key decisions that need to be made to support the growth of the digital economy. These include investing in digital infrastructure, such as high-speed broadband and data centers, and providing support for startups and small businesses. The city also needs to develop a skilled and talented workforce, with a focus on digital skills such as coding, data analysis, and cybersecurity. The Bendigo TAFE, located on High Street, is already playing a key role in developing the city's digital skills, but more needs to be done to support the growth of the sector.

Looking ahead, the next 12-18 months will be critical for the development of Bendigo's digital economy. The city's leaders need to work together to develop a clear and comprehensive strategy for the sector, and to secure the investment and funding needed to drive growth and innovation. With the right approach, Bendigo can establish itself as a leading digital hub in regional Australia, and create a bright and prosperous future for its residents and businesses. The upcoming Bendigo Digital Festival, to be held at the Bendigo Town Hall in September, will provide a key opportunity for the city's digital community to come together and showcase the city's capabilities and potential.