A massive AI datacentre project near Dalby, Queensland, faces significant local opposition over concerns regarding energy demand, environmental impact, and potential boom-bust economic cycles.
Key facts
- •The project is planned for a 725-hectare site currently occupied by a 24,000-head feedlot near Dalby.
- •The facility would require a peak power capacity of 2.16GW, about 25% of Queensland's total energy demand.
- •A petition against the project has been signed by more than 21,500 people.
- •The Queensland government has moved to become the primary assessor for datacentre applications, removing local council control.
- •The Environmental Defenders Office has seen a 250% increase in legal queries regarding datacentres since January.
A proposed $31 billion datacentre project intended to power Anthropic’s AI model, Claude, has triggered a strong backlash from residents in rural Queensland. The facility, planned for a 725-hectare site near Kogan, would be Australia's largest if completed. While developers and some officials highlight potential job creation and economic diversification, local community members and farmers have raised concerns about the project's massive energy requirements and its similarity to previous, disruptive resource booms.
By the numbers
Project Scale and Local Opposition
The proposed datacentre would require a peak power capacity of 2.16GW, roughly equivalent to one-quarter of Queensland's total energy demand. A petition opposing the project, launched by local travel agent Mordechai Winters, has gathered over 21,500 signatures in a few weeks. Residents and farmers, familiar with the region's history of coal seam gas development, fear the project will bring temporary labor influxes followed by economic instability.
Shift in Planning Authority
The Queensland state government recently announced it will take over the assessment and coordination of datacentre applications from local councils to ensure a consistent planning framework. Previously, Western Downs Mayor Andrew Smith indicated the council expected to retain authority over the project. Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie’s office stated that the state will treat these projects similarly to mining or renewable energy developments, emphasizing that deals must have community and council backing.
Broader Concerns and Industry Response
The Environmental Defenders Office reports a 250% increase in legal inquiries regarding datacentres since January, with CEO Jo Shulman calling for a moratorium to allow national standards to catch up. Meanwhile, developer Zerra DC claims the facility will be less water-intensive than existing datacentres. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has expressed support for the potential job opportunities, while local business leaders suggest the project could transform the region's economy.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Guardian AI.
