Datacentre giant accused of using AI while lobbying for Victorian minister’s support for hyperscale factory
Summary
A major Australian datacentre company, NextDC, is seeking fast approval to greatly expand its large datacentre in Footscray, Victoria. The Victorian jobs minister, Melissa Horne, opposed the expansion and accused NextDC’s CEO of using artificial intelligence to write a lobbying letter requesting her support.Key Facts
- NextDC wants to expand its datacentre, known as M3, to cover 10 hectares and use 225 megawatts of power continuously.
- The datacentre is close to homes, a kindergarten, and community services in Footscray, causing local concern.
- Jobs Minister Melissa Horne refused to support the expansion and criticized the lobbying letter for factual mistakes, suggesting it was AI-generated.
- NextDC hired a former government adviser, Ken McAlpine, to help with lobbying efforts.
- Local MP Katie Hall opposes the datacentre’s growth due to environmental and community impacts, including reliance on diesel generators.
- The expansion is being fast-tracked under Victoria’s planning system, which prioritizes large datacentre projects.
- NextDC’s CEO described the datacentre as Australia’s largest “hyperscale AI factory” built for advanced computing related to artificial intelligence.
- No comment was given by NextDC or Melissa Horne regarding the AI accusation or the project’s future.
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