Australia's $9B AI Data Center Controversy | Sydney News

Australia’s biggest-ever data center project, a $9 billion campus in western Sydney, is poised to power the nation’s AI and cloud boom—but at a steep cost. Spanning 52 hectares with six four-story buildings, it’ll run 24/7, demand diesel backups, lithium-ion batteries, and millions of liters of fuel. Critics raise alarms over noise, traffic, school proximity, and strain on wastewater systems—though developers now promise dry-cooling to eliminate water use. Freight groups oppose it, calling the land vital for future transport links. With NSW set to decide soon, this showdown highlights the national struggle to balance tech growth with community and infrastructure realities. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/dc8c100929a31dbf