Under a cloud: the growing resentment against the massive datacentres sprouting across Australian cities
Summary
Massive new datacentres are being built near Australian cities to support growing digital and AI needs. Local residents are worried about the noise, pollution, and environmental impact, and they say these large industrial buildings should not be so close to homes.Key Facts
- The M3 datacentre near Melbourne is Australia's largest hyperscale AI facility and is expanding rapidly.
- It currently uses diesel generators that are increasing from 40 to 100 to power its servers.
- The facility plans to double in size by 2027, covering 10 hectares and drawing 225 megawatts of power.
- Local residents complain about noise, exhaust pollution, and the impact on their community’s health and quality of life.
- Residents want datacentres moved away from residential areas because of their industrial scale.
- NextDC, the company building M3, says the project follows local rules and is important for Australia's digital future.
- Some local councils oppose expansions but final planning approval rests with state governments.
- Similar datacentre projects are proposed in other Australian cities, leading to broader community concerns.
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