AI firm buys Ettamogah mill as Border residents fear power and wage impact
Sharon AI's purchase of the Ettamogah mill raises concerns about rising electricity costs and skilled workers leaving.
Sharon AI, an Australian company, has bought the Ettamogah paper mill. A data centre might be built on the Border.
Locals are alarmed. Construction worker John Heathcote said: "There has been no community consultation.
I'm dead against any infrastructure that would be put into our community." A data centre could use 100 megawatts to a full gigawatt of power.
That's according to La Trobe University's AI Institute co-director. Bobbi McKibbin runs a solar installation business.
She fears electricity prices will rise. She worries tradies will abandon small firms for higher-paying data centre and solar farm work.
"I heard last week a second-year electrician being offered $200 grand," she said.
- 100 megawatts to a gigawatt
- Power use range
- 200 grand
- Electrician wage offered
- Sharon AI
- Company
- Ettamogah, Border
- Location
Why it mattersData centre expansion could change the regional jobs market and energy costs. Yet residents say the company has not consulted them.
AustraliaThe Albury-Wodonga region faces potential power constraints and wage competition for skilled workers if the data centre proceeds, with no clear public process yet underway.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 1 d ago
