Municipal Association of Victoria Demands Moratorium on New AI Data Centres Across 79 Councils

The Municipal Association of Victoria, representing all 79 Victorian councils, passed a resolution October 30 demanding a moratorium on approvals for all new or expanded data centres until a 'comprehensive' planning and environmental framework is in place. Melbourne, Geelong, Maribyrnong, Hume, Melton and Brimbank brought motions citing NextDC's purchase of 169 hectares in Geelong earmarked for 2,000+ homes, and the state's Development Facilitation Program that lets operators bypass local councils. MAV president Jennifer Anderson said the DFP 'is taking powers away from council and community.'