CoGG on Data centres

THE City of Greater Geelong is pushing for greater oversight of Victoria’s booming data centre industry, warning councils need more certainty over where future developments can be built.

The call follows NEXTDC’s purchase of a 170ha site at Lovely Banks, where land previously identified for future residential growth is now earmarked for a major data centre precinct.

The proposed Lovely Banks development would join a growing pipeline of data centres across Victoria, including NEXTDC’s GE1 facility under construction on Obriens Road in Corio.

About 40 data centres are already operating across Victoria, with a similar number in development or under construction.

Cr Andrew Katos said the loss of land is “not a sustainable outcome” and fails to consider the community’s long-term needs.

“Data centres are significant pieces of infrastructure with long-term impacts on local communities, energy networks and surrounding land use,” he said.

“Decisions about where they are located cannot be made without a clear framework, genuine local input and a coordinated approach to land use planning.”

The council is urging the Victorian government to release its strategy for the data centre sector, arguing councils and communities need a clearer planning framework as the industry expands.

Cr Katos said this includes committing to “meaningful community consultation” on the location of future developments.

“Communities have a right to be heard on developments that will shape their neighbourhoods for decades, and councils must have a seat at the table from the outset,” he said.

“While the state has indicated it will use transport, energy and water data to guide where data centres can be built, it is critical that this is matched with a clear, coordinated approach to identifying suitable land supply in partnership with local government.”

The Geelong council’s call comes as the Victorian Greens continue to push for a moratorium on new large-scale AI data centres until stronger planning controls and community consultation measures are introduced.

Geelong-based upper house MP Sarah Mansfield said communities should not be left to deal with the impacts of projects after key decisions had already been made.

“The Greens are calling for a halt on all new AI data centres until communities are meaningfully consulted and there is a plan to prevent harm to the environment, cultural heritage, and our climate,” she said.

The Victorian government has previously said it wants Victoria to become a national leader in AI infrastructure and that its work on a strategy for the sector will guide future investment.

The Victorian government has been contacted for comment.