Data Centres vs Community: The Perth Council's Brave Stand The City of Stirling, Perth's largest metropolitan council, is considering a motion that would make it the first local government in Australia to ban data centres in residential areas.
Councillor Suzanne Migdale's notice of motion seeks to reclassify data centres as "prohibited uses" under the local planning policy, citing their significant environmental footprints and detrimental impact on community amenity.
At first glance, this move may seem like a reaction to the proliferation of data centres in Perth. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Migdale's concerns are well founded.