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Sydney Councils Warn Datacentre Growth Risks Blackouts and Housing

4/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sydney councils warn rapid datacentre expansion risks blackouts, housing shortages, and health impacts.
Lane Cove Council reports increased blackouts linked to datacentre growth.
City of Ryde notes datacentres compete with residential development.
Penrith City Council calls for halting new approvals until water and power impacts are understood.
Jess Miller, deputy lord mayor of Sydney, warns datacentres could consume up to 25% of the city’s drinking water by 2035.

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Story summary

Sydney councils warn rapid datacentre expansion risks blackouts, housing shortages, and health impacts.
Lane Cove Council reports increased blackouts linked to datacentre growth.
City of Ryde notes datacentres compete with residential development.
Penrith City Council calls for halting new approvals until water and power impacts are understood.
Jess Miller, deputy lord mayor of Sydney, warns datacentres could consume up to 25% of the city’s drinking water by 2035.