Arabic version: اقتراح مركز بيانات بقيمة 31.9 مليار دولار في ويسترن داونز
According to ABC News, Singapore-based developer Zerra DC has proposed a $31.9 billion data centre project near Dalby in regional Queensland. The Western Downs Digital Park is earmarked for a 725.5-hectare site about 37 kilometres north-west of Dalby and is set to be Australia’s largest facility of its kind. The location is currently home to a 24,000-head feedlot owned by Wambo Cattle Company.
The proposed development comes as Australia debates the energy and water demands of expanding data-centre infrastructure. The federal government is refining proposed national rules for data-centre energy use, including a requirement to buy renewable power, while Queensland opposes the suggested laws. The site is near major regional power stations, and Western Downs mayor Andrew Smith said the region was well placed to handle demand because it had built substantial energy infrastructure.
Zerra DC’s development application says the project would prioritise air-cooled technology and avoid relying on town water infrastructure. Construction would require about 522 kilolitres of water a day, followed by a one-time flush-and-fill process using 26.9 megalitres per building — equivalent to the average annual water use of 155 Australian households. During regular operation, the centre would use about 16.5 kilolitres a day, drawing on coal seam gas water, rainwater harvesting, water delivery, recycled wastewater and on-site surface water.
Water remains a major concern for local communities. Toowoomba Regional Council has recently pushed to protect drinking-water sources from data-centre encroachment. Councillor Rebecca Vonhoff said the council had a deeply felt connection to water after devastating droughts. Mr Smith said questions about water, power and geography were being raised by the community and that the applicant would need to address them. Queensland Water Minister Ann Leahy said the community should have a voice in the proposal, as with any major project.
