A petition calling for a halt to new AI data centre developments on the Coast has attracted more than 2400 signatures.
Started by Estefania Mercado, it calls on local, state and federal governments to pause approvals for large-scale AI data centres until environmental, community and resource impact assessments have been completed.
The campaign relates to proposed developments including NEXTDC’s data centre projects in Maroochydore, with the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Sunshine Coast Council responding to the issues outlined by organisers.
“The Sunshine Coast is one of the most beautiful and environmentally significant areas in the country,” Ms Mercado wrote in the petition.
“Once these natural areas are lost or impacted by industrial-scale development, there is often no way to fully restore them.”
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson said there was currently one data centre site within the region.
The petition also raised concerns about the potential effects of large-scale data centres on wildlife, water supplies, energy demand, health and safety, and the character of the region.
“This petition is not anti-technology,” it said.
“It is pro-transparency, pro-community and pro-environment.
“We believe innovation should work alongside nature, not at the expense of it.”
The NEXTDC site is located within the Maroochydore City Centre Priority Development Area, where Economic Development Queensland is responsible for assessing development applications.
Council said the location provided a strategic connection to the adjacent international Cable Landing Station, which links the Sunshine Coast to global telecommunications networks.
“This co-location strengthens the rationale for the data centre’s placement within the PDA and reinforces its role as part of an integrated digital infrastructure ecosystem designed to support innovation, investment, and long-term economic growth,” it said.
Council said development approvals and supporting technical reports for the site were publicly available at Economic Development Queensland.
It said there were no applications currently under assessment by council.
“Sunshine Coast Council recognises the importance of ensuring appropriate assessment of matters such as noise, visual amenity, infrastructure demand, servicing requirements, environmental impacts, and the interface with sensitive uses, including residential areas,” it said.
“As with all development applications, each application is assessed on its individual merits and in accordance with the relevant legislative requirements.”
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Council said data centres were defined as a Research and Technology Industry under the Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme 2014 and the proposed Sunshine Coast Planning Scheme.
“This land use is generally contemplated within the Low Impact Industry Zone, Industry Zone, Specialised Centre Zone and Innovation Zone,” it said.
“As with all planning schemes, an application can be made to locate a data centre in other locations, subject to the relevant level of assessment.”
Council said it was aware of state-level discussions about strategic planning for data centre infrastructure across South East Queensland.
“At this stage, council is not leading the development of a SEQ Data Centre Strategy but if progressed would participate as a stakeholder to align with regional planning objectives and local community interests,” it said.
Council said it was aware of the petition, but it had not been formally submitted for consideration.
“Should the petition be formally presented through the appropriate process, it will be considered in accordance with council’s governance and decision-making procedures,” it said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has outlined Australia’s approach to AI, which will build on the existing Data Centre Expectations.
National Cabinet met on August 26 and agreed to the approach.
“The Australian Government is developing AI standards to ensure that AI works in Australia’s interests and reflects Australian values,” a Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet spokesperson said.
The new standards are expected to include requirements for large data centres to contribute to Australia’s energy transition, use innovative, efficient and sustainable solutions to minimise water use, impose no net costs on consumers and communities, engage meaningfully with local communities and councils, and contribute to skills and training opportunities.
The Australian Government is also undertaking public consultation to better understand the challenges and opportunities associated with data centres.
NEXTDC was contacted for comment but had not responded prior to publication.
