Gold Coast Council Invests in Southport Tech Precinct Amid AI Boom

The Gold Coast City Council announced a $10 million investment in a new tech precinct in Southport, targeted for completion by 2028 with a focus on AI, cybersecurity, and data science. This announcement forms part of ongoing local technology activity involving the council and associated organisations.

Council Investment Targets Specific Precinct

The Gold Coast City Council has directed the $10 million toward the Southport location. The precinct plan emphasises three core areas: AI, cybersecurity, and data science. Local organisations stand to benefit from the infrastructure once completed in 2028.

Startup Funding and Sector Scale

Gold Coast AI startups in Australia secured $12.4 million in venture funding during Q2 2026, with local firms capturing demand in tourism and logistics automation. The Australian Gold Coast's tech sector has grown 66% over the past decade, contributing $1.4 billion in gross value to the economy and employing approximately 9,000 people. These figures reflect activity among the startups and established firms operating on the Gold Coast.

Job Growth and Salary Data

Tech industry jobs on the Australian Gold Coast grew 25% over the past five years, significantly outpacing the national average of 15%, with a median tech worker salary of $83,000. The numbers come from verified local reporting and show the scale of employment tied to organisations in the sector.

Separate Florida Initiative Noted

A separate initiative, the Gold Coast Tech Accelerator Program, was launched in Florida's Gold Coast in late 2025 to support FinTech and Defense Tech startups. This program operates in a different location and does not form part of the Australian Gold Coast developments.

Next Steps for Local Organisations

The Southport precinct remains on track for its 2028 completion date. Organisations active in AI, cybersecurity, and data science can monitor council updates for participation details as construction progresses.