We are calling for an urgent moratorium on AI data centre construction in Australia until safeguards for communities, energy supply and the environment are legislated.

Big Tech corporations are forcing huge data centres onto local communities across Australia (and the rest of the world), with virtually no democratic engagement with local communities.

Data centres are expected to draw as much power from the grid by 2036 as all homes in NSW and Victoria do today - we cannot stand by and let this happen. Without drastic intervention from state and federal governments, Australia’s energy transition is at risk of being derailed by Big Tech and their data centres.

Australia urgently needs a moratorium on new data centre construction until safeguards for people, communities, cultural heritage, and the environment are legislated. We demand a national moratorium until we have laws that include:

• Consent from Traditional Owners: No site moves forward without free, prior, and informed consent from the Traditional Owners

• A new strong approval process: No rubber stamps for approvals. A rigorous, transparent assessment of environmental and community impacts, including consultation.

• 100% renewable energy: All data centres must be powered 100% by new renewable energy not coal and gas

• Recycled water used: A closed loop system where water is recycled and no local drinking water is used; best practice water use is enforced

• Protection of sacred sites: That all data centres across the country, including Weddell in the NT, are protecting sacred sites and springs

• An AI data centre regulator… empowered to audit, penalise, and shut down non-compliant operations