Full Breakdown
Victorian Minister Rejects Support for NextDC’s Hyperscale AI Factory Amid AI-Generated Lobbying Allegations
By Drooid · · How we work
Expansion Proposal and Government Response
NextDC, an ASX-listed datacentre operator, has applied to the Victorian government for fast-tracked approval to enlarge its M3 facility in Footscray. The proposal seeks to expand the site to 10 hectares and draw 225 MW of continuous power. Melissa Horne, the state jobs minister, responded to a lobbying email from NextDC chief executive Craig Scroggie by refusing to intervene in the planning decision. She stated she would not lend her support to the application and declined to comment further. NextDC and Horne both declined requests for additional comment.
Community Concerns and Opposition
Local residents have raised objections to the project’s proximity to homes and public services. Katie Hall, the Labor MP whose electorate includes the datacentre, highlighted that the site lies within 500 metres of over 800 homes, a kindergarten, maternal and child health services, and the Stony Creek waterway. Hall warned of community anxiety over reliance on diesel generators during power outages and the regular testing of those systems.
Background: Victoria’s Datacentre Policy
Victoria offers fast-tracked planning approval for large datacentres, a policy intended to attract digital-infrastructure investment. Decisions made by the planning minister are not subject to appeal before the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, a provision that has drawn criticism from community groups and opposition politicians who argue it limits local oversight.
Data & Statistics
- Expansion footprint: 10 hectares.
- Power demand: 225 MW, operating 24 hours a day.
- Residential proximity: some homes as close as 15 metres to the datacentre boundary; 500 metres to over 800 homes, a kindergarten, health services, and Stony Creek.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I refer to you correspondence on 3 September requesting that I intercede on behalf of NextDC Limited in the decision of the minister for planning …” — Melissa Horne, victorian cabinet minister
- “I do not believe that it would be appropriate for me to lend my support to the application and nor do I wish to,” — Melissa Horne, victorian cabinet minister
- “I suggest that you review content produced by artificial intelligence more closely in the future,” — Melissa Horne, victorian cabinet minister
- “This includes the site’s location within 500 metres of over 800 homes, a kindergarten, maternal and child health services, and Stony Creek,” — Katie Hall, whose electorate includes the NextDC datacentre in Footscray