Sydney Councils Voice Growing Concerns Over Datacentre Developments
Sydney’s local councils are sounding the alarm over the rapid expansion of datacentre developments, citing concerns about the potential for blackouts, housing shortages, and adverse health effects on residents. According to a recent submission to the New South Wales datacentre inquiry, the influx of datacentres is directly competing with opportunities for housing and job-rich industries near public transport hubs.
The inquiry, which aims to regulate the datacentre industry in response to its accelerated growth, has highlighted the challenges faced by Sydney’s councils. Several councils have expressed worries about the environmental and amenity impacts on their local communities, with one council reporting a rise in blackouts linked to the industry’s expansion.
Sydney’s datacentre industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, driven by demand for cloud computing and data storage services. However, this growth has led to a surge in new developments, often locating near public transport hubs and residential areas. Councils are concerned that these developments will displace housing and job opportunities, exacerbating existing affordability and social issues.
For example, the council of Canterbury-Bankstown told the inquiry that datacentre developments are crowding out residential builds near public transport, which could lead to severe shortages of affordable housing. The council also expressed concerns about the health impacts of datacentre operations, including potential exposure to electromagnetic radiation and noise pollution.
Other councils in Sydney have raised similar concerns, citing the need for more stringent regulations and guidelines for datacentre development. Some have called for a review of the industry’s environmental and social impacts, as well as more consultation with local communities.
As the New South Wales government prepares to release its recommendations on datacentre regulation, councils are urging policymakers to prioritize community needs and environmental sustainability. The stakes are high, with the datacentre industry continuing to grow at a rapid pace and residents facing potentially significant negative impacts on their health, housing, and quality of life.
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