Business · Companies · 10 hrs ago
NextDC apologises to West Footscray residents over data centre expansion
NextDC apologised to West Footscray residents over the impact of its plans for a major expansion of the M3 data centre in Melbourne.
Chief executive Craig Scroggie said the company would not proceed until it had made the community, council and customers equal priorities.
The expansion would double M3's size to about 10 hectares, but it needs a reliable power supply.
In September, energy operator Jemena paused plans for 15-metre power poles after residents protested and complained about a lack of consultation.
The power delays pushed the project back and led NextDC to forecast hundreds of millions of dollars less in earnings; its share price fell 40 per cent.
Residents have also raised concerns about noise, water use and the appearance of data centres, while Scroggie argued they are important for Australia's future.
The state government has not approved the expansion, and a decision is not expected until after Victoria's November 28 state election.
NextDC chief executive Craig Scroggie apologised to West Footscray residents over the impact of plans to expand its M3 data centre.
He said the company would not proceed with the artificial intelligence facility until the community, council and customers were equal top priorities.
NextDC still plans to double the facility’s size to about 10 hectares and says it will resolve the power issue.
Residents have opposed proposed 15-metre power poles near the site, and the expansion has been delayed.
The state government has not approved the expansion, with a decision not expected until after the November 28 state election.
- Who
- NextDC chief executive Craig Scroggie apologised to West Footscray residents.
- What
- NextDC apologised over the planned expansion of its M3 data centre and said it would not proceed until community, council and customer priorities were addressed.
- When
- Scroggie issued the apology on Monday, November 9, 2026.
- Where
- West Footscray, a Melbourne suburb; Scroggie spoke at a UBS-hosted conference in Sydney.
- Why
- Residents opposed proposed power poles and raised concerns about the data centre’s impact. Scroggie acknowledged that the community had felt left behind.
West Footscray residents
NextDC
Power infrastructure
West Footscray residents
Residents complained and protested against plans for 15-metre-high power poles near the site.
NextDC
NextDC says it will resolve the power issue and says its contracted power partner was unable to deliver.
Data centre expansion
West Footscray residents
Residents have opposed the plans and raised concerns about noise, water use and the facility’s appearance.
NextDC
NextDC intends to double M3’s size to about 10 hectares and says data centres are vital for Australia’s future.
NextDC’s M3 data centre began operating.
Energy network operator Jemena paused plans to install 15-metre-high power poles near the site after residents complained and protested.
NextDC announced a major delay to the M3 expansion.
Scroggie apologised to residents and said NextDC would not proceed until the community, council and customers were equal top priorities.
A decision on the planned expansion is not expected until after the state election.
- Facility
- NextDC’s M3 data centre in West Footscray
- Planned expansion
- Double the facility’s size to about 10 hectares
- Proposed power poles
- 15 metres high
- Facility opening
- 2022
- State election
- November 28, 2026
What people are saying
I am deeply, deeply sorry for the impact that we’ve had on customers
As I am deeply sorry for the impact that the community has felt because they felt like they got left behind.
We will solve [the power issue]
It’s a zoned industrial estate. It has been for over a century.