Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 3 hrs ago
Victoria approves NextDC data centre without utility input
Victoria approved NextDC’s M4 data centre in Melbourne in 75 days, without formal responses from electricity utility CitiPower or South East Water.
The project is planned for Fishermans Bend and is ultimately expected to provide up to 150 megawatts of capacity for business, government and AI customers.
It was approved through a state fast-track process for eligible data centres, which NextDC also used for its M3 project in Melbourne.
That earlier facility has been delayed after electricity network company Jemena pulled back on planned work following local protests.
NextDC says M4 is paused because it lacks customer contracts and is designed to use closed-loop air cooling without water.
Local residents have raised concerns about possible effects on nearby Westgate Park, including noise, drainage and light pollution.
The planning approval says utility needs can be addressed during detailed design, but the sources do not give a timeline for construction to proceed.
Victoria approved NextDC’s M4 data centre in Melbourne after a 75-day process, without formal input from the state’s major power and water utilities.
The project is planned for Fishermans Bend in Port Melbourne and is ultimately intended to provide up to 150MW of capacity.
NextDC said M4 is designed to use closed-loop air-cooled technology, with no water used.
The Port Melbourne Action Group has raised concerns about public consultation and potential effects on nearby Westgate Park.
NextDC said it had paused projects that were not backed by customer contracts, including M4.
- Who
- The Victorian government approved NextDC’s M4 data centre project.
- What
- The project received fast-track planning approval without formal input from CitiPower or South East Water.
- When
- It was approved in January, after a 75-day process.
- Where
- Fishermans Bend, Port Melbourne, Melbourne.
- Why
- Not stated
Port Melbourne Action Group
NextDC
Public consultation
Port Melbourne Action Group
The group raised concerns about what it called a “disturbing lack of public consultation.
NextDC
NextDC said the project had been assessed through its standard design process.
Potential effects
Port Melbourne Action Group
The group said it was unclear whether the centre’s operations could harm Westgate Park and its wildlife.
NextDC
NextDC said its design aimed to minimise water use and environmental and social impacts.
Former Victorian premier Jacinta Allan announced the project alongside NextDC chief executive Craig Scroggie.
NextDC formally lodged a planning application for M4.
Victoria’s Minister for Planning approved the project after a 75-day process.
- Project
- M4 data centre
- Location
- Fishermans Bend, Port Melbourne
- Approval process
- 75 days
- Utility responses
- No response received from CitiPower or South East Water
- Planned capacity
- Up to 150MW
- Cooling design
- Closed-loop air-cooled technology, with no water used
What people are saying
M4 is therefore designed to use high-efficiency, closed-loop air-cooled technology, with no water used.
The proposed data centre is located adjacent to the park, and it is currently unclear whether its noise, cooling systems, water use, drainage, light pollution and other operations could adversely affect the park and its wildlife.
This major investment means more jobs and training for the next generation of tech workers.