WSROC President, Councillor Brad Bunting, said data centres are critical infrastructure supporting Australia’s digital economy, artificial intelligence, connectivity and online services.
“Data centres are an important part of the state’s economic future and Western Sydney is well placed to support that growth,” said Councillor Bunting.
“Sydney already hosts around 60 per cent of Australia’s data centre capacity, with a growing concentration in Western Sydney due to access to industrial land, energy infrastructure and transport networks.”
Councillor Bunting said the rapid growth of the sector highlights the need for coordinated planning and clearer operating frameworks across all levels of government.
“This is not about stopping growth.”
“It is about ensuring there is a strategic, transparent and coordinated approach so infrastructure can keep pace, industry has certainty, and local communities are protected from unintended cumulative impacts.”
WSROC calls for stronger coordination between state and federal regulatory frameworks, clearer planning parameters, and improved monitoring and reporting requirements.
“Currently, data centres are largely assessed on a project-by-project basis, without a coordinated framework to manage cumulative impacts such as energy demand, water use, heat generation, noise, visual bulk and pressure on industrial land,” said Councillor Bunting.
“Clear planning settings and infrastructure coordination will provide greater certainty for industry while helping ensure impacts on local communities are appropriately managed.”
WSROC supports a balanced approach where investment in data centres is matched with planning for the supporting infrastructure needed for long-term resilience and liveability.
“With the right strategic planning, NSW can continue to support investment and innovation while ensuring communities share in the benefits of this critical infrastructure,” Councillor Bunting said.
To see WSROC’s submissions to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Data Centres, visit: WSROC submissions and resources at https://wsroc.com.au/media-a-resources/submissions
