Recent discussions and media coverage have highlighted the negative impacts of large AI data centres in Australia. This is not an isolated issue; similar debates are occurring globally.
However, some countries have proactively developed national strategies to address these concerns rather than leaving the conversation to the loudest voices. Most recently NextDC have been in the media over their plans to expand their M3 data centre located in the inner suburb of Melbourne. Further, they have again been exposed by the media in purchasing large tracts of land in Geelong some of which was earmarked for residential housing and zoned such.
Effective national approaches typically encompass five key issues:
– Recognising data centres as critical infrastructure, rather than merely private industrial buildings.
– Linking data-centre growth to energy planning, ensuring that the grid, renewable energy sources, storage, and transmission can adequately support it.
– Managing locations to safeguard resource capacity, security, and mitigate conflicts.
– Addressing water usage and environmental performance.
– Connecting data centres to national sovereignty and capability.
So can Australia do better and build a plan to manage the opportunity rather than have it manage the country?
