Australia's largest datacentre operator, NextDC, has faced a major setback in plans to double the size of its west Melbourne facility. The expansion requires more electricity, and the planned upgrade by Jemena to taller concrete poles has been delayed. Delays stem from safety concerns, limited site access due to community and stakeholder opposition, and the local council not approving 22-metre poles. NextDC's share price fell from more than $9 to $5.69 last week. The companies are now considering alternative pole locations through industrial zones or underground connections.
NEXTDC shares fell 42 per cent in a single day after the company said delays in getting power to its inner-west Melbourne data centre expansion would cut its future earnings by a third. The delays followed residents in Yarraville blocking power company Jemena's crews from working in Sanderson Street, forcing them to abandon the holes they had dug. Separately, the planned listing of AI data centre company Firmus, valued at about $44 billion, fell apart after large investors refused to pay $11 a share.
NEXTDC's market value dropped by around $3 billion after energy provider Jemena paused installing power poles needed for its West Footscray data centre in Melbourne. The plunge came less than two weeks after Firmus Technologies withdrew its public listing plans. Local residents have raised concerns about diesel storage, noise and the power works. Analysts say community support is now a key issue for data centre operators. One adviser urged caution for investors, saying future expectations should not be priced too heavily into today's market value.
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Erskineville residents are angry about a City of Sydney plan to extend narrow MacDonald Street through to busy Mitchell Road. Friends of Erskineville has gathered more than 1200 petition signatures against the through-road and wants a public square instead. Council relies on traffic studies from 2005 and 2013, which residents say predate WestConnex. UNSW transport expert Dr Chris Standen says the new route would become a rat-run, with his modelling showing it could be up to seven minutes faster than main roads. Council has said it will collect traffic data six months after the road opens.
NextDC has delayed the expansion of its M3 site in West Footscray, Melbourne, to the 2027/2028 financial year. Electricity provider Jemena has paused upgrades to power poles after safety concerns, site access problems and community opposition. The company's share price fell from over $9 to $5.69 after trading resumed. NextDC cut its net revenue guidance to between $475m and $500m. Residents remain opposed to the project and plan to keep campaigning.
Data centre company NextDC has blamed delays in increased power supply to its M3 data centre in West Footscray for cutting more than $100 million from its earnings forecast. Its shares fell more than 40 per cent to an eight-year low of $5.48 in early trading on Wednesday 21 October. Chief executive Craig Scroggie said power company Jemena paused network upgrades after community and council opposition, and the increase is now expected during FY28. Jemena paused the roll-out of 15-metre power poles across the inner west in September.
NextDC has cut its revenue and profit forecasts for the current financial year after delays to power network upgrades at its West Footscray data centre in Melbourne. Its share price fell 40 per cent after the announcement to the stock exchange. The company said energy supplier Jemena had suspended parts of the network works needed for a future increase in grid supply. Local residents, who have opposed the centre over diesel and noise concerns and the installation of tall power poles, have called for compensation and remediation.
Shares of NextDC, Australia's largest listed data centre developer, fell 40.2 per cent to an eight-year low of $5.48 in early trading on Wednesday. The company said community opposition led power operator Jemena to suspend electricity grid work at its M3 data centre in West Footscray. Jemena has told NextDC it does not intend to resume work before February. NextDC has removed the affected M3 contracts from its 2026/27 earnings guidance and plans to cut capital expenditure by $750 million.
Residents in Kyogle have formed a group called Dam Free Kyogle to oppose proposed flood detention basins recommended in a CSIRO report. The basins, which many locals call dams, are proposed for Eden Creek, Fawcetts Creek and Collins Valley, with a possible fourth at Gradys Creek. Lesley Garred, a Lynchs Creek resident, says her property would be underwater if the plan goes ahead. The CSIRO report says the basins would use sluice gates to hold back floodwater and release it gradually. Information sessions are being held at the KMI Hall in Kyogle on November 1 and 2.
Residents in Llowalong, north of Maffra and Stratford, are opposing a proposal for a 2,206-head undercover cattle feedlot. Neighbour Nick Lee told Wellington Shire Council that the site would bring heavy traffic, noise, odour and environmental concerns. A petition with almost 700 signatures was presented, and the council voted to reject the proposal, referring it to a future meeting. The council chief executive said a decision would likely not be made until next year. The proponent, farmer Angus Zilm, says the feedlot would bring advanced feeding technology and contract feeding for local producers.
A 91-apartment seven-storey complex in Jindalee has been approved despite objections from residents. The $60 million development will sit on the corner of Jindalee Boulevard and Maritime Drive. Residents argued it breaks an agreed structure plan limit of five storeys and raised concerns about traffic, parking and a lack of public space. The Metro Outer Development Assessment Panel unanimously approved the proposal. Councillor Jacqueline Huntley said refusal could not be justified under current provisions.
Opponents of a proposed big battery on Uriarra Station, on Canberra's western edge, fear it could pave the way for a data centre. Project proponent Quinbrook has proposed a 520-megawatt battery energy storage system, which would need a substation and overhead lines. Resident Erin East raised concerns about noise, light, bushfire risk and lithium battery fires. Quinbrook says a fire is highly unlikely due to multiple safety layers. The ACT Greens say they will raise residents' concerns with the planning minister. A community meeting is set for Saturday, 17 October, at the Uriarra Village Community Centre.
Amazon has said it will no longer use nondisclosure agreements when negotiating with local governments over data centres, following a similar move by Microsoft. Hosts on TechCrunch's Equity podcast said the announcement came within a blog post arguing that data centres benefit communities. They said secret negotiations have fuelled public distrust, pointing to Uber's past dealings with local councils. One host doubted that recent moratoriums on data centres would have lasting effect, while another said the industry communicates poorly about AI.
AI company Firmus Technologies has cancelled its planned share market float on the Australian Securities Exchange due to weak demand. The company had aimed to raise $7 billion. Its three proposed Tasmanian AI data centres have faced community opposition, council appeals and delays, including a Launceston project now pushed back to early 2027. Firmus says its plans have not changed and that it has the money to proceed.
Data centre operator Firmus has withdrawn its share market float, disappointing some investors. In northern Tasmania, where Firmus planned three projects, the Environmental Awareness Association welcomed the news. The group had campaigned against the company's plans, citing concerns about noise, air pollution, and property value impacts. Firmus maintains it remains well-positioned to execute its plans, including in Tasmania. Premier Jeremy Rockliff has supported the company's projects in the state.
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A $15 billion data centre proposal near Wagga Wagga has sparked community backlash. Residents fear the facility will impact homes, agricultural land, and the environment. The project, classified as a State Significant Development, bypasses local council approval. CDC Data Centres plans a 1.4-gigawatt complex with four buildings and extensive infrastructure. A petition opposing the plan has gathered over 1,000 signatures in five days.
Construction has started on the Palmer Wind Farm, 60km east of Adelaide, after more than a decade of delays. The 288-megawatt project, which faced significant community opposition, is expected to power up to 142,000 South Australian homes. The farm was scaled back from 103 turbines to 40 following legal challenges, including an appeal to the state's Environment, Resources and Development Court. The project is backed by the federal government's Capacity Investment Scheme and is expected to create more than 200 construction jobs.
