DATA CENTRE PROPONENTS ON NOTICE
The proponents of a $15 billion data centre proposed for Gregadoo have been put on notice that the development should not proceed without genuine, effective consultation and appropriate benefits to the community.
The Independent Member for Wagga, Dr Joe McGirr, said the onus was on the developer – CDC Data Centres – to prove that the development will be socially and environmentally acceptable to the community.
“I have been advised of the proposal and been assured by CDC that they will listen to local feedback, share updates on progress and work collaboratively with the community as the project develops,” he said.
“I will hold them to that promise and continue to closely monitor the proposal.”
Dr McGirr acknowledged the proposal represented a massive economic investment in the region, with long-term jobs and that it would help to keep Australia at the forefront of the global AI revolution.
However, he said that CDC should not be allowed to repeat the behaviour of some renewable energy developers which have failed to adequately consult or compensate affected communities.
Dr McGirr said the delivery of appropriate community benefits should be a key component of any planning consent.
Other major concerns that would need to be addressed would be water and power consumption, as well as the impact on those living near the proposed centre.
“This centre would offer many technical and economic benefits, but it must be stressed that neighbours and others directly affected will have legitimate questions and concerns and must be consulted, with their feedback incorporated into the planning,” he said.
“If safety cannot be guaranteed, it should not proceed.”
CDC has indicated that that the centre would use reticulated water and mechanical infrastructure for cooling, meaning water consumption will be minimised – but these claims would need to be rigorously tested as part of the planning process.
As a State Significant Development, the consent authority for the project will be the NSW Government.