Can a data centre be regenerative? Can it deliver a net positive impact for nature, communities and the local economy? If not - under what conditions should communities be willing to support them?

Data centres are being proposed at unprecedented scale across Australia. They represent investment and economic opportunity, but also impose significant demands on energy, water, land and local infrastructure. Too often, communities are brought into the conversation after the fundamental decisions have already been made, while many of the costs and risks are borne locally and much of the promised economic value flows elsewhere.

The Southern Highlands community is confronting this question now, with a proposed 703 MW gas-fired power plant linked to a hyperscale data centre.

In addition to opposing the current gas plant proposal, the local community, with partners Regen Labs, RadicalxChange and BWD Strategic, is testing a different approach: What would happen if communities could help shape the terms of major infrastructure before the big decisions are locked in? And what does authentic, long-term and systemic community benefit look like?

What's this event?

At this exclusive preview event, hear from representatives from the Southern Highlands community, RadicalxChange, Regen Labs and BWD Strategic on this innovative approach, and how you can stay involved as insights are gained and shared.

Speakers:

Jess Scully - RadicalxChange

Reece Proudfoot - Regen Labs

Josue Castro - BWD Strategic

Gaye White - Highlands Homegrown Economy

What's the project?

Over 12 weeks, this project will bring community priorities together with independent evidence and expert input, giving Southern Highlanders both the information and the tools to deliberate the difficult trade-offs and explore what genuine community, environmental and local economic benefit could look like.

The emerging options will then be opened to the wider community, with a transparent account of what was heard, what conditions the community believes should apply, and what should happen next.

The project will produce a practical, research-backed blueprint that other communities around Australia can use to engage with major infrastructure proposals, negotiate for meaningful benefits and shape development in ways that build local wealth, strengthen social licence and improve outcomes for nature.

The Southern Highlands becomes the testing ground for a model that could be replicated wherever communities are being asked to host the infrastructure of Australia’s next economy.

More information: https://highlandshomegrown.com/regen-data-centre

Contact the host of A Better Model for Data Centres: A Community-Counter Offer