Australia’s data centres have emitted nearly 2 million tons of CO2, almost on par with emissions from major corporations. As the government continues to push for more data centres, the environmental and economic impact is being ignored. These centres consume massive amounts of water and contribute to rising power bills, all while threatening the stability of white-collar jobs. The rush to build these facilities, fueled by irrational enthusiasm about AI and infrastructure growth, is exacerbating water scarcity and pushing the country toward economic instability.

Unemployment rates in cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, and Adelaide could spike to double digits, affecting housing markets and leading to plummeting property values. The effects of negative gearing or capital gains tax may not be enough to hold up house prices. Yet, these potential consequences are largely being overlooked in the pursuit of data centre expansion.

As AI continues to drive infrastructure growth, it’s time to rethink whether these investments are worth the environmental and social costs. If left unchecked, the unchecked growth of data centres could become a ticking time bomb for Australia’s future. Now is the time for a more balanced and sustainable approach.