What does a good data centre future look like? And how do we get there?

Australia is in the middle of a rapid data centre rollout. Warehouses full of computer servers that run the artificial intelligence (AI) tools society increasingly uses are being built at pace, and they draw heavily on essential resources.

Data centres need large amounts of electricity, water and land. Without the right planning and oversight, developers will secure what they need at the expense of Australia’s economy, nature and communities.

Without careful design, data centres could increase power bills, put pressure on water supplies, and slow the transition to net…

© La Conversation - jeudi 17 septembre 2026