Environment·5/2/2026AI summary Australian residents oppose datacentre expansion near homes amid AI boom concerns
Residents in three Australian cities are opposing the rapid expansion of datacentres near residential areas, citing concerns over noise, environmental impact, and inadequate planning processes. The M3 datacentre in West Footscray, Melbourne, is set to double in size by 2027, while similar facilities are proposed in Sydney's Lane Cove and Perth's Hazelmere. Local councils say they have been sidelined in approval processes, while industry argues datacentres are critical for Australia's digital future.