Victoria's 79 councils demand freeze on new data centres
Victoria's 79 councils are calling for a freeze on new data centre approvals.
All 79 Victorian councils have demanded the state government freeze approvals for new and expanded data centres. Eight councils brought the issue to the Municipal Association of Victoria's October meeting.
Land, energy and water use are the main concerns. In Geelong, data centre giant NextDC bought 169 hectares of land earmarked for more than 2,000 new homes.
The move pressures the major parties ahead of next month's state election. MAV president Jennifer Anderson said the peak body would now advocate to both state and federal governments for better rules.
- 79
- Victorian councils demanding moratorium
- 169 hectares
- Land purchased by NextDC in Geelong
- 2,000 plus
- Homes earmarked for that land
- 8
- Councils bringing motions to MAV
Why it mattersA moratorium could shape where new homes and businesses get built, and how Victoria plans for housing shortage and energy demand in coming years.
AustraliaVictorian voters and councils will see this become a key election issue; housing-stressed regions like Geelong could see land freed for homes instead of data centres if the pause holds.
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