Although IT businesses are traditionally based in Melbourne’s CBD, many are being attracted to these areas because of cheaper land and easier access through Eastlink, Frankston Council business development officer Jonathan Reichwald said. “The impact of IT businesses is one of the main drivers behind industry growth in Seaford and Carrum Downs,” Mr Reichwald said. “For an IT centre to develop, it’s all about access to other similar businesses.”

Tony Lentino’s internet-based company is based in Hartnett Drive, Seaford. Instra Corporation specialises in global domain registration in more than 200 countries. “There is definitely a future for Frankston as an IT centre,” Mr Lentino said. “If you had a really sophisticated, world class data centre on several hundred acres where you could attract international players, it’s definitely feasible, but it needs serious vision. If we grow 10 times larger and have 400 staff, we can’t stay here. Some small IT companies might have only 20 staff, but a turnover bigger than the largest businesses in Frankston. Do we really want to lose them?”

The development manager for Carrum Downs-based licensed telecommunications carrier OMNIconnect, Mark Vieros, agrees. “There’s a lack of infrastructure here, including the physical infrastructure, the communications or data networks, road access, branding or a scheme to specifically attract and target IT businesses to the area,” he said.

Chisholm Institute of TAFE business IT manager Joe D’Amico says there’s no reason Frankston can’t be an IT hub.

“What’s needed is better funding, better facilities and better resources,” he said. “The key is the wireless facilities, currently a big problem down here. But there are signs this is improving.”

Click here to view this article in the Frankston/Hastings Leader.