The data centre backlash

<p>Community anger over AI data centres has found its epicentre in Sydney&#39;s Lane Cove of all places, a well-heeled North Shore suburb now facing five proposed data centres in its industrial park. Meanwhile, AI infrastructure company Firmus is turning on the charm offensive to win over sceptical communities in Tasmania and South Australia as it pushes ahead with its &quot;AI factory&quot; ambitions.</p><p><br></p><p>We discuss:</p><ul><li>Why Lane Cove&#39;s proximity to Sydney’s CBD, power and fibre infrastructure makes it a prime location for data centres.</li><li>How an organised, high-income resident base has turned Lane Cove into a flashpoint of grassroots opposition.</li><li>AI infrastructure company and ASX hopeful Firmus hustling to win over communities in South Australia and Tasmania that are resistant to its ambitious projects.</li><li>Widespread national unease about living near data centres and fears over AI-driven job losses.</li><li>Anthony Albanese’s national AI agenda and why Queensland and Northern Territory aren’t on board.</li><li>What EY&#39;s new modelling says about AI&#39;s likely GDP impact and job creation</li><li>How the US data centre backlash — from New York&#39;s moratorium to local anger over jobs and power — is shaping the debate playing in Australia</li></ul><p><br></p><p>On The Call is a weekly live conversation with the Capital Brief newsroom on the stories driving the agenda in Australia&#39;s centres of power.</p><p><br></p><p>Host Harshdeep Kaur sits down with Capital Brief&#39;s best journalists to dissect what we&#39;re watching and why it matters, and answer questions from our subscribers live.</p><p><br></p><p>Subscribe to join our weekly live discussion on Thursdays at 12pm AEST: <a href="https://www.capitalbrief.com/on-the-call/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.capitalbrief.com/on-the-call/</a></p><p>Sign up to our free weekly newsletter, The Edition: <a href="https://www.capitalbrief.com/newsletters/the-edition/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.capitalbrief.com/newsletters/the-edition/</a></p>