Talk:NextDC
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Request to add factual content regarding PA2604231 community opposition — conflict of interest disclosed
[edit]Good afternoon
I am posting this request on the Talk page rather than editing the article directly because I have a significant conflict of interest with this subject and wish to comply with Wikipedia's conflict of interest policy.
Disclosure: I am a resident of West Footscray living approximately 300 metres from the NEXTDC M3 facility and am the lead author of a community submission opposing the NEXTDC M3 expansion application (PA2604231) currently before the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning. I am also a founding member of Citizens of Tottenham, the community group that lodged the submission. I have a direct personal and advocacy interest in this matter and should not edit the article myself.
What I am requesting:
I believe the following factual, sourced information should be added to the article, specifically to the M3 Melbourne entry or in a new subsection on recent developments. All proposed content is attributable to reliable published sources and is consistent with Wikipedia's neutral point of view policy.
Proposed addition — M3 Melbourne expansion and community opposition
In February 2026, NEXTDC lodged a ministerial planning permit application (PA2604231) with the Victorian Department of Transport and Planning seeking approval for a major expansion of the M3 Melbourne facility. The proposed expansion would increase the data centre from 225 megawatts to approximately 345 megawatts of IT load capacity, bringing the total confirmed diesel backup generator count to 100 at full buildout.
The application received 81 formal objections as confirmed by DTP in documents presented to Maribyrnong City Council. Maribyrnong City Council lodged a formal objection to the application on 31 March 2026, citing concerns about the impact on the Stony Creek environmental corridor. At its meeting of 21 April 2026, the full council formally carried a motion noting its submission and the community concerns raised. The application also received a formal letter of concern from Katie Hall MP, the state Member of Parliament for Footscray.
The application generated significant community concern including a public petition exceeding 1,000 signatures. Coverage appeared in multiple publications including the Herald Sun and The Age.
Proposed sources:
The Herald Sun, 20 April 2026 — "Locals call this data centre 'Mordor'. The government wants to expand it further — and residents could cop up to $141m in community costs." Grace Baldwin. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/locals-call-this-data-centre-mordor-the-government-wants-to-expand-it-further-and-residents-could-cop-up-to-141m-in-community-costs/news-story/6cdd2ac7222c08af49e6994b44033c35
The Herald Sun, 16 April 2026 — "Inside the Allan government's special planning powers that skip council permission and community consultation." Grace Baldwin. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/inside-the-allan-governments-special-planning-powers-that-skip-council-permission-and-community-consultation/news-story/578264195a11bcf8337cf64bd869dc82
The Age,1 March 2026 - "The energy vampire next door: Life next to an AI mega-factory" https://www.theage.com.au/national/the-energy-vampire-next-door-life-next-to-an-ai-mega-factory-20260217-p5o2yc.html
The Age, 25 March 2026 - "West Footscray data centre bids to double in size amid ‘nightmare’ construction" https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/west-footscray-data-centre-bids-to-double-in-size-amid-nightmare-construction-20260324-p5uags.html
The Western Leader, 7 April 2026 — "Why Melbourne's west is prime real estate for data centres." Athos Sirianos. https://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/west/why-melbournes-west-is-prime-real-estate-for-data-centres/news-story/547a47ae5ad6509cfb2a2dbf1ea0d780?fbclid=IwY2xjawRWXTBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6WHc3S2Z0QmhhSzZqOGU5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHgJQjSnv4qVMRhccKF1Q4Ov5h93lL55BgQXZOmKVsbKNwsXKNaoQcRSwjyCI_aem_YrMaQMqEU4An9BbOko9R2g
Maribyrnong City Council agenda, 21 April 2026 — Item 9.1, PA2604231 assessment and council submission. https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/About/Council-Meetings/Agendas-and-minutes Citizen of Tottenham (talk) 02:11, 23 April 2026 (UTC)