Amazon Web Services (AWS) is planning to invest $13.2 billion in cloud infrastructure in Sydney and Melbourne between 2023 and 2027 to meet growing demand for cloud services in Australia.

Commenting on the move, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese emphasised the crucial role of digital transformation in 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,” he said.

“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.”

According to AWS’s newly launched Economic Impact Study (EIS) for Australia, the investment is expected to contribute $35 billion to Australia’s total gross domestic product (GDP) by 2027.

Additionally, the cloud giant noted, AWS data centre infrastructure in Australia will support an estimated average of 11,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs at local Australian businesses each year.

Rianne Van Veldhuizen, AWS managing director for Australia and New Zealand, said that for over a decade, AWS has invested billions of dollars into Australia through infrastructure and jobs, and worked closely with the public sector as well as local customers and partners, to be a force multiplier across the nation.

“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,” she added.

“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.”