AI data centres are booming in Australia - but at what cost?

Australia has 162 data centres operating and another 90 planned, with more than A$155bn in prospective investment. Supporters say they underpin the digital economy and local AI businesses, while residents and environmental groups fear noise and heavy electricity and water use; some facilities can consume up to 40 million litres of water a day. The government plans to require new large sites from 2027 to underwrite power, limit water use and fund added water infrastructure, but existing and already-building projects will be exempt.