Vic govt launches GreenIT cluster
The Victorian Government yesterday launched what it calls "Australia's first environmental IT industry cluster", shelling out $100,000 for the initiative.
The Victorian Minister for Information and Communications Technology John Lender announced the cluster at an Australian Information Industry Group event yesterday. He revealed the new Victorian-based cluster is comprised of the Australian Information Industry Association, Box Hill Institute, CSC, KPMG, Prima Consulting and Tradeslot.
"This new cluster brings together six industry and government organisations with industry knowledge, giving companies an excellent opportunity to share knowledge and promote industry capability nationally and internationally," Lenders said in a press release.
The $100,000 funding for the cluster provided by the Victorian Government, said Lenders, would be used to set up an online sustainable capability register, determine industry metrics and modelling, provide advisory services and market Victoria's sustainable ICT products and services internationally.
Lenders highlighted the growing market for environmentally-friendly technology and what it could mean for Victoria.
"New technology doesn't have to have a major impact on our environment," he said. "Recent research suggests Victoria has the chance to benefit from up to $25 billion of opportunities to make ICT more sustainable, helping to create more Victorian jobs over the next two decades."
"By supporting a dedicated cluster group, the Brumby Labor Government is taking action to ensure Victorian companies get their share of the economic opportunities available with in this growth sector," he said.
"The GreenIT cluster builds on the success of the Victorian e-Health network, Spatial Victoria and the Mobility Vic clusters," he said.
Lender's praise of the Victorian e-Health network, HealthSMART, comes following recent criticism from hospitals. The Age reported last week that some hospital officials had referred to the over-budget and delayed program as "the Victorian Health System's myki".