UPDATE: Hume Council has just announced a significant move to regulate the rapid expansion of data centres, citing urgent concerns over environmental impacts and community welfare. In a council meeting held on August 25, 2023, officials endorsed a motion to draft a policy framework aimed at managing data centre applications, making Hume the first council in Victoria to take such action.
The council’s decision comes as data centres proliferate across the municipality, raising alarms about their massive resource consumption. Cr Kurt voiced his concerns, labeling data centres a “wicked problem” that consume enormous amounts of water and electricity while providing limited benefits to the local community. “They are huge in scale, consuming massive amounts of water and electricity whilst offering little back to the community in terms of jobs,” he stated.
Data centres are increasingly recognized as pivotal to the digital economy, fueling technological growth and innovation. However, their environmental footprint and strain on local infrastructure cannot be overlooked. In Tullamarine, the NextDC facility on Sharps Road has already led to parking shortages and diminished community amenities, prompting calls for immediate action. Similar issues are surfacing in Craigieburn and other rapidly developing areas, where new approvals for data centres threaten to put additional pressure on water and power supplies.
Recent reports highlight that data centres in various parts of Australia are consuming staggering amounts of water, with some projects prioritized over essential housing developments. Hume Council fears a similar fate could unfold as its population continues to grow.
Currently, many data centre applications are assessed directly at the ministerial level, bypassing crucial council scrutiny. This limits local community engagement and consultation, a point emphasized by Cr Kurt. “They send their projects straight to the minister for approval, often in new precinct structure plans where they can bypass council and communities with little scrutiny,” he noted.
In response to these pressing issues, council officers are preparing a briefing note that will delve into critical topics such as water usage, energy demands, employment prospects, and environmental impacts. They will also explore advocacy opportunities with state and federal authorities to push for stronger regulations and planning controls.
As Hume Council takes steps to address these challenges, the community is urged to stay informed and engaged. The implications of this policy framework could reshape the landscape of data centre development in Victoria, impacting local resources and community welfare for years to come.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to watch for updates as Hume Council prepares to outline its strategies to manage this urgent issue.
