Aug 27, 2026 – 6.56pmThe Albanese government has flagged the use of legally binding community benefit agreements between local councils and data centre builders in a bid to quell growing angst about the proliferation of the controversial facilities, as it appears to accept industry claims that only 15 per cent of forecast electricity demand will be needed.Premiers and chief ministers signed off on new standards for data centres at national cabinet on Wednesday. This included that operators bring forward new renewable power to offset energy demand. Queensland secured a carve-out to use gas where it would not drive up household bills.Subscribe to gift this articleGift 5 articles to anyone you choose each month when you subscribe.Subscribe nowAlready a subscriber? Fetching latest articles
Data centres face local benefit deals as suburban backlash grows
Premiers have signed off on national power standards as the government accepts industry claims of phantom electricity demand.
122 words~1 min read
