IBM chooses Gold Coast for new software team

The Gold Coast has outgunned rival cities to lure international IT specialist IBM to establish a new software development team in the city. IBM received assistance through Gold Coast City Council’s Investment Attraction Program, which was launched last year.

Economic Development and Tourism Chair Councillor Susie Douglas welcomed IBM’s decision, saying the Investment Attraction Program was aimed at luring companies to expand or relocate to the city.

“The program focuses on jobs creation for highly skilled workers, with a view to diversifying the local economy to ensure our city’s reliance on the construction and tourism industries does not continue,” said  Douglas.

“We’re delighted that IBM, who is a global IT specialist, has recognised the strengths of the Gold Coast as a business destination, the facilities on offer and the highly talented workforce available, to select our city as a location for their new project.

“This commitment directly translates to the securing of local jobs, which may have been lost elsewhere.

“IBM’s R&D work will aid the development of the city’s knowledge-based industry, and help ensure there is an increasing range of employment opportunities for Gold Coasters as we continue to grow into the future.”

Director of IBM’s Australia Development Laboratory Glenn Wightwick said the incentives provided by the Council were a key factor in the company’s decision to further invest in its Gold Coast operations.

“Our Australia Development Laboratory Gold Coast team have world-class expertise in IT security and they play a critical role in the development of IBM's Tivoli security product portfolio. This expertise and the support of the Gold Coast City Council through their Investment Attraction Program has been critical in securing this new development mission,” said Wightwick.

Hiring for 34 new roles to support the expansion is almost complete.