In response to the release of the Albanese government's 'expectations' for data centres hoping to set up in Australia, Australian Conservation Foundation CEO Adam Bandt said:
"Data centres guzzle power and water and they could derail Australia's clean energy transition unless they are properly regulated.
"The government should be commended for making it clear that it's not open season for data centres that are eyeing off Australians' precious water and energy supplies.
"We welcome the government's direction and the inclusion of expectations relating to additional renewable energy supply and sustainable and efficient water use.
"However, giving these big tech corporations guidelines is not enough.
"Expectations are a vague policy intervention - we expect the government to build on these policy principles and set genuine, specific conditions to make sure data centres comply with these obligations.
"If you want to build a data centre in Australia, you should be compelled to build the renewables and water recycling infrastructure to service it.
"We are disappointed the government has not listed any expectations relating to the siting of these data centres, to minimise impacts on nature, or relating to community benefits sharing and proper consultation with local communities and First Nations.
"We urge the Albanese government, in partnership with States and Territories, to impose strict, measurable obligations on the tech titans to make sure they do their share, consult properly and don't drain our resources or derail the clean energy transition."
