Melbourne Residents Dub AI Data Centre 'Mordor,' Cite Lack of Transparency

Residents in a Melbourne suburb have expressed frustration over a large AI data centre, comparing it to the fictional land of Mordor due to its imposing presence and what they describe as a lack of transparency surrounding its operations and expansion.

The 41,000-square-meter data centre, built by digital infrastructure company NEXTDC in Yarraville, a suburb approximately 6 kilometers from Melbourne's central business district, commenced operations in 2022. The facility's proximity, situated only 30 meters from some residences, has drawn significant local criticism.

Jess Marsh, a human rights lawyer and independent state election candidate, stated that the community feels overlooked, with many only now becoming aware of the implications of such developments. "People are pissed off... I think most people are just waking up," Marsh told news.com.au, noting parallels with news emerging from the United States regarding the rapid, corporate-backed rollout of AI infrastructure. She added that the inner west is "treated as a dumping ground," a sentiment exacerbated by "legacy pollution and token consultation where community interests are not prioritised."

Beyond general unease, specific grievances include a persistent low-frequency "hum" emanating from the center 24 hours a day, raising health concerns for nearby residents like Jacqui Glover. Glover, a resident of West Footscray, described the facility's impact on daily life as major, noting "the noise, the construction of the building and it's expanding." She emphasized the need for a pause to assess the rapid pace of data center construction, stating, "It's a real concern for not just the people in our community, but people all over Melbourne."

The most recent point of contention involves the replacement of traditional timber power poles with significantly larger concrete ones to support the data centre's energy needs. Marsh highlighted the increased height and capacity of these new poles, which now tower over homes. "Quite a lot taller. Quite a lot bigger... It's industrial high voltage power that's going to be going through," she stated in a social media video. Residents reportedly received notice of the pole replacement but not that the new poles would be substantially larger.

"There is an ongoing lack of transparency regarding the fast-tracking of data centre approvals and expansions, and how this will affect the energy grid, the neighbourhood, the environment, air quality and community health and wellbeing," Marsh elaborated to the Daily Mail.

NEXTDC operates multiple data centres across Melbourne and is planning an even larger facility in Eastern Creek, Sydney. Nationally, the Australian Data Centre Association reports 162 data centres are currently operating, with approximately 90 more planned. In July, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced intentions to introduce legal requirements for AI use and data centres.