Anthropic's $31bn datacentre sparks rural Queensland backlash
Anthropic plans a $31 billion datacentre near Dalby despite fierce local opposition.
Anthropic plans to build a $31 billion datacentre near Dalby in rural Queensland to power Claude, its AI language model. The 725-hectare site would replace a cattle feedlot.
The site would become Australia's largest datacentre. The datacentre needs 2.16 gigawatts of power, about a quarter of Queensland's total energy supply.
The project would create about 1,400 long-term jobs. Local residents fear a repeat of the coal seam gas boom-bust cycle, when workers flooded in, then left abruptly when the industry shifted.
A petition against the project has more than 21,500 signatures from the region. Queensland's government now controls datacentre approvals, taking this power from local councils.
- $31 billion
- Project cost
- 725 hectares
- Land size
- 2.16 gigawatts
- Power requirement
- 1,400
- Long-term jobs projected
Why it mattersCommunity backlash shows growing concern about datacentres' huge energy use and boom-bust development patterns worldwide.
AustraliaQueensland's rural areas face intensive infrastructure demands that may stress local power and water systems while creating temporary jobs.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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