Over 1,000 residents oppose A$15bn data centre planned near Wagga Wagga

A proposed A$15 billion data centre campus near Wagga Wagga in New South Wales has sparked a debate over regional development. Concerns include agricultural land, energy demand and environmental impacts. The CDC Data Centres project would cover 100 hectares of council-owned land at Gregadoo, around 15 kilometres from central Wagga Wagga.

It would include four large, single-storey buildings and has attracted over 1,000 residents who oppose it. The project, classified as a State Significant Development, requires state-level approval rather than local council approval. Residents question whether the economic gains justify the impact on the rural landscape, especially regarding noise, emissions, and long-term industrialisation of agricultural land.

The facility could consume between 5 and 7 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, with rooftop solar panels expected to generate 13.1 megawatts. Water consumption is another point of discussion, with CDC expecting to use a closed-loop cooling system and collect rainwater on-site. Supporters argue the development could bring significant investment, create jobs and encourage further data centre development in the area, while opponents stress the need for a detailed assessment of the project's environmental footprint and long-term resource requirements.

The decision ultimately rests with the state government under New South Wales' State Significant Development process.