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Victorian minister rejects NextDC bid to fast-track M3 expansion

By Drooid · Sep 16, 2026, 12:05 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Victorian minister Melissa Horne rejected NextDC’s request to fast-track the M3 datacentre expansion.
NextDC plans to enlarge the Footscray M3 site to 10 hectares, needing 225 MW continuous power.
The expansion would place the facility within 15 metres of homes in industrial-zoned Footscray.
Horne accused CEO Craig Scroggie of using AI to draft his lobbying email, citing factual errors.
The planning minister’s fast-tracked decision cannot be appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

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Story summary

Victorian minister Melissa Horne rejected NextDC’s request to fast-track the M3 datacentre expansion.
NextDC plans to enlarge the Footscray M3 site to 10 hectares, needing 225 MW continuous power.
The expansion would place the facility within 15 metres of homes in industrial-zoned Footscray.
Horne accused CEO Craig Scroggie of using AI to draft his lobbying email, citing factual errors.
The planning minister’s fast-tracked decision cannot be appealed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.