Councils demand freeze on AI data centre builds

Local councils are calling for a moratorium on data centre approvals, warning that Sydney's boom of 88 data centres is draining electricity and water needed for housing developments while creating few permanent jobs. Three councils have raised concerns at a state inquiry, pushing to cap construction and restrict where facilities can be built. The calls come as the federal government moves to fast-track data centre construction across Australia, highlighting a direct conflict between national digital infrastructure ambitions and local community needs.