Alice Jordan-Baird (Gorton, Australian Labor Party) | Hansard source

I rise today to raise the voices of community concerns in the outer west. In my community in Melbourne's western suburbs, there's been a proposal for the largest data centre ever publicly proposed in Australia. At 350 hectares, the Plumpton data centre project will cover the equivalent of 175 MCG playing fields. People in our community are rightly asking questions about what a development of this scale could mean for our growing suburbs. I want to take this opportunity in this parliamentary chamber to say that I hear the concerns about the potential impact on local energy and water resources, the increased traffic movements and noise, and the cumulative pressure placed on infrastructure that is already struggling to keep pace.

These are the right questions to be asking. They reflect a community who want to understand how a major industrial development would affect their quality of life, local environment and future of our region. As AI demand and reliance on cloud computing grows, data centre investment in Australia is necessary. But—in our community, near homes and close to schools—data centre development must happen in ways that deliver positive outcomes for the community.

The Albanese Labor government has set out clear expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure built here to ensure that investments provide tangible benefits both locally and across Australia. Operators must prioritise Australia's national interests, not only by strengthening our security and resilience but also by delivering benefits to local communities. They are also expected to support the energy transition with new renewable energy and to not put upward pressure on energy prices, to manage water responsibly, to create well-paid jobs and local skills, and to back startups, research, innovations and supply chains.

I will not support data centre developments that fail to meet these expectations. Our community deserves clear answers, genuine consultation and transparent planning processes. The west cannot simply become the destination for infrastructure that places additional strain on resources while delivering little in return. I will continue to listen to residents, seek answers on their behalf and advocate strongly for the long-term visibility, sustainability and wellbeing of our growing community.

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