Dalby residents split over Zerra DC's A$32b data centre plan

The program says the project promises around 1500 jobs both in construction and once operating, while noting that Dalby is short of workers and housing.

Bev and Wayne Newton, who run a wheat farm next door, told the program they fear the project will take more from the region than it returns. Retiree Bevis Furner said he first thought it would be good for the region, then changed his mind after researching power, water and job numbers.

Others back it. The program reports that Western Downs Regional Council Mayor Andrew Smith sees it as the region’s turn to benefit, and that Chamber of Commerce head Adrian Story pointed to possible upgrades to local hospitals and TAFE and to drought resistance.

The numbers

According to A Current Affair, the development at full capacity could consume more than a quarter of Queensland’s current daily electricity use. The program notes gas-fired power stations, a major substation and a solar farm nearby, and says the developer promises additional power from the National Electricity Market, but that how and when remains unclear.

On water, the program notes that drought is frequent around Dalby and that many farmers depend on bores. Zerra DC told the program that it will not draw on the town’s water supply or bores.

The planning application runs to 870 pages and is currently before council, according to the report. It flags a potential koala habitat and rare wildflowers nearby, and says the data centre is unlikely to affect those endangered species.

What’s next

The program reports that Zerra DC still needs several approvals, and its application is with Western Downs Regional Council. Mayor Smith said council will assess it like any other application, while acknowledging a number of community concerns. Asked whether he was prepared to vote against the project, he answered that he would if the approval requirements were not met.

Many locals told the program that getting clear information was among their biggest problems. Dalby antiques dealer Ross Thorton called on local and state government to hold a public meeting, saying people were hearing different numbers on water use and jobs. Community groups have run their own information sessions, and the program says one it attended drew more than 100 people.

According to the report, most attendees did not oppose the development outright but feared it was advancing faster than the rules being put in place for the industry. A Current Affair says it put questions to Zerra DC.