A proposed mega datacentre in Plumpton, located roughly 30 kilometres north-west of Melbourne’s bustling CBD, is stirring significant public concern as it promises to be six times larger than the iconic Chadstone shopping centre. With more than 3,600 petitioners calling for a thorough environmental assessment, the project led by Syncline Energy has become a lightning rod for debates surrounding the rapid expansion of datacentres and their implications for local communities.
The Scale of the Project
The 350-hectare site in question, currently a vacant paddock, is adjacent to Melbourne’s renewable energy hub and conveniently situated near major transmission lines. Syncline Energy envisions transforming this land to accommodate four datacentre buildings with a staggering capacity of 2.4GW—an output that would eclipse the energy produced by Victoria’s largest power station, Loy Yang A. The remaining 60% of the site is intended for open space, but local residents are raising alarm bells about the potential environmental and social repercussions of such an expansive operation.
The sheer magnitude of the project has ignited fears among local residents, who are already grappling with the implications of an increasing number of datacentre constructions across Australia. A recent report by Data Centres Australia revealed that there are currently 30 operational datacentres in Victoria, with another 30 proposed, raising questions about the sustainability of such rapid growth.
Community Concerns and Grassroots Opposition
Local sentiment has soured, particularly among those who feel that the western suburbs are being unfairly targeted as a site for industrial developments. Molly Walker, a conservationist who started the petition, expressed deep concerns about the environmental impact: “How much is being taken away from the environment?” she asked. Walker, who lives over 250 kilometres away, learned about the project via TikTok, underscoring how quickly information—and anxiety—can spread in the digital age.
Dr Karen Austria, a local civil designer and long-time resident, voiced her worries that the community has become a “dumping ground” for large-scale projects. “They always say they can’t put datacentres out in the east because of the land,” she lamented. “Why are you putting this in our back yard?” Residents are particularly worried about the potential decline in property values and the environmental degradation that could accompany such a massive industrial facility.
The noise associated with datacentres has also been a topic of concern. Residents have cited examples from the United States, where datacentres are notorious for their constant hum and operational disruptions. As the local debate heats up, many are questioning whether adequate community consultation has taken place, with some feeling that the only communication they received was a one-off letter from Syncline Energy.
The Company’s Response
Syncline Energy’s managing director, Phil Galloway, has committed to engaging with the local community, stating that discussions will begin with direct neighbours and then expand outward. “The process starts with our direct neighbours and works out from there,” he explained. Galloway has also emphasised the importance of ecological surveys and cultural heritage assessments being conducted alongside community consultations to ensure that residents’ concerns are adequately addressed.
The company maintains that the large scale of the project is necessary for establishing sovereign AI capabilities and optimising the use of land, energy, and water resources. Galloway underscored that the site’s location under the flight path of Melbourne Airport limits its use for residential purposes, making it a more suitable option for industrial development.
Navigating the Future of Datacentres
The growing number of datacentres has triggered warnings from various experts regarding potential repercussions on energy and water supplies. The NSW Net Zero Commission recently cautioned that the surge in datacentre construction could complicate the transition of the electricity sector towards more sustainable practices.
A federal inquiry into datacentres has been initiated, with calls for a moratorium on new developments until regulations are established that ensure these facilities contribute positively to the grid. The Australian government plans to introduce a framework mandating that large datacentres underwrite new power supplies and contribute back to the grid as much energy as they consume.
Victoria’s Premier, Jacinta Allan, has lauded the state as a prime destination for datacentre investment, while Minister for Economic Growth, Steve Dimopoulos, echoed this sentiment, stating it’s not merely about the number of datacentres but the kind of Victoria that will be built around them.
Why it Matters
As the debate around the Plumpton datacentre unfolds, it encapsulates broader issues facing communities across Australia as they grapple with the rapid rise of energy-intensive infrastructure. The concerns expressed by residents highlight the critical need for transparent communication and comprehensive assessments to ensure that the benefits of technological advancement do not come at the expense of local environments and communities. Balancing the push for innovation with community welfare will be essential in shaping a sustainable future for all.