Latrobe City Council welcomes the recent announcement of the proposed $10 billion data centre for Morwell. If delivered, the proposed data centre would be the largest of its kind in Australia and will unlock long-term opportunities for the local economy.
Global asset manager and operator, Keppel, has secured a lease of industrial land in Morwell from Australian energy and infrastructure landowner, Lightwood Group.
The selected site is 123-hectares and is located near the former Hazelwood Power Station. With the previous infrastructure in place, the site is appropriately zoned and was identified as a unique location due to its direct access to the power grid and existing non-drinkable water source which is required for the operation of the data centre.
With the closure of coal-fired power stations and associated industries announced for 2028 and 2035, investment of this nature is critical to providing certainty for the local workforce and creating new pathways for skilled workers. Projects that leverage existing energy infrastructure while supporting new industries are essential to our economic and environmental diversification.
As state and federal governments progress Net Zero commitments, Latrobe City is well positioned to remain the epicentre of the energy economy - supporting renewable generation, stable and continuous energy, hydrogen and emerging industries that rely on secure, large-scale power supply.
Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Sharon Gibson, welcomes investment like this in Latrobe subject to meeting appropriate planning requirements and developing a social licence for the proposal.
"Latrobe City has powered Victoria for generations and is now uniquely placed to support the next era of industry, including data, digital and clean-energy-enabled infrastructure."
"Our existing transmission assets, industrial land, water access, freight connectivity and incredible skillset make the region a nationally significant location for large-scale, energy-reliant investment; we're here and we're ready to grow".
Keppel have advised that they would like to brief Council on the proposal in the future and will deliver further information in relation to the significant investment and employment opportunities that this proposal would deliver to the region.
Council looks forward to receiving a planning application for the proposal that Keppel are also preparing and they will be required to implement controls to address any impacts on adjoining landowners.
