A monumental datacentre project proposed by Syncline Energy in Plumpton, located about 30 km north-west of Melbourne’s CBD, is igniting a fierce debate among local residents and policymakers alike. With plans to construct a facility that dwarfs even the largest shopping centres, this initiative has drawn over 3,600 signatures on a petition demanding comprehensive environmental assessments and community engagement. As the datacentre boom continues to expand across Australia, concerns about its implications for the environment, local infrastructure, and community welfare are at the forefront of discussions.
The Scale of the Proposal
The proposed datacentre site spans an impressive 350 hectares, with Syncline Energy planning to utilise 40% of this area—approximately 140 hectares—for four massive datacentre buildings. This would make it nearly six times the size of Chadstone Shopping Centre, with a staggering maximum capacity of 2.4 gigawatts. To put this in perspective, the energy consumption projected for this datacentre exceeds that of Victoria’s largest power station, Loy Yang A.
The sheer magnitude of this project has alarmed residents before any construction has even commenced. Many locals are voicing their concerns about the rapid proliferation of datacentres in the region. A recent report from Data Centres Australia highlighted that while there are currently 30 datacentres operational in Victoria, another 30 are in various stages of planning.
Community Concerns Intensify
The announcement of the Plumpton datacentre initially reached residents through a letter from Syncline Energy, describing their plans and inviting community feedback. However, for many, the project’s details began circulating through social media long before the company’s outreach efforts commenced, fuelling unease and speculation.
Local conservationist Molly Walker, who lives over 250 km away in the Grampians, was among the first to sound the alarm, initiating a petition that quickly garnered support. Walker expressed her frustration, stating, “How much is being taken away from the environment?” Echoing this sentiment, civil designer Dr Karen Austria raised concerns about potential noise pollution and the adverse effects on property values, particularly in a region already labelled as a “dumping ground” for industrial projects.
Residents fear that the development will disrupt their community and environment. Dr Austria noted that the site is situated within a green wedge, a protected area that should prioritise ecological, economic, and cultural values. “Why are you putting this in our backyard?” she demanded, highlighting the growing sentiment of being overlooked by decision-makers.
Corporate Response and Commitment to Consultation
In response to the mounting backlash, Syncline Energy’s Managing Director, Phil Galloway, has emphasised their commitment to thorough community consultation. Galloway reassured residents that discussions would begin with direct neighbours and expand outward, stating, “The process starts with our direct neighbours and works out from there. The conversations will take at least a year.”
He also underscored the importance of ecological surveys and cultural heritage assessments being conducted alongside community discussions. Galloway argued that the scale of the project is necessary for bolstering Australia’s sovereign AI capabilities and optimising the use of land, energy, and water resources. Additionally, the company plans to integrate renewable energy sources, including solar and wind, into the datacentre’s operations.
A Growing National Debate
As the controversy continues to unfold, the city of Melton is bracing for potential impacts. The local council has clarified that their role in the planning process will be limited if the application is directed to the state government. Moreover, federal MPs Alice Jordan-Baird and Sam Rae have voiced their opposition, questioning the alignment of the project with federal expectations for datacentre infrastructure.
The rapid expansion of datacentres across Australia has raised alarms regarding their impact on the nation’s energy and water supplies. The NSW Net Zero Commission has warned that the surge in datacentre development could hinder the electricity sector’s transition towards more sustainable practices. There have even been calls for a moratorium on new developments until the federal government establishes comprehensive regulations.
Why it Matters
This proposed megaproject in Plumpton represents not just a local issue but a significant crossroads for Australia’s future in technology and infrastructure. As the nation grapples with the implications of rapid datacentre expansion—balancing the need for advanced AI capabilities with environmental sustainability and community welfare—the discussions surrounding this project will likely set important precedents. The outcome of the Plumpton datacentre could redefine how Australia approaches infrastructure development, community consultation, and environmental stewardship in a rapidly digitising world.