(Nov 8): Stockland Corp has abandoned plans for a Sydney data centre following community backlash, in another sign of growing opposition to artificial intelligence infrastructure.

The property developer said the nearly two-square-kilometre logistics project on a former golf course next to Sydney Airport, a joint venture with John Boyd Properties, will “not include a data centre” in its next stage of planning. “We will continue to engage openly with stakeholders as planning for the logistics precinct progresses,” a company spokesperson said.

First announced last year, the development on the banks of the Cooks River has sparked criticism from community groups after data centres were added as a potential alternative use earlier this year. The company had said that the project’s proximity to the airport and nearby Port Botany made it suitable for mixed uses like retail and hospitality. 

Community opposition to data centres is growing across Australia on concerns over their heavy power and water use. Last month, data centre company Nextdx Ltd placed development plans on hold after protests delayed power supply to one of its major projects in Melbourne.

Firmus Grid Ltd also faced backlash against its planned data centres. The company was set to debut on Australia’s stock market last month, but shelved plans after failing to win over investors for its US$30 billion valuation.

Uploaded by Liza Shireen Koshy