Dalby residents divided over proposed $31bn Anthropic-linked datacentre in Western Downs

Left · 2A proposed datacentre, put at $31bn by the Guardian and $32bn by ABC News, is planned near Dalby in Queensland's Western Downs, about 180km west of Brisbane, and has drawn a mixed reaction from residents. 1 2 Left · 2The Guardian reports the project would sit on a 725-hectare plot now occupied by a 24,000-head feedlot and would power Anthropic's Claude model; ABC reports Anthropic has signed a deal to use the first of four buildings at the site even though no approvals have been issued. 1 2 Left · 1Developer Zerra DC, which is Singapore-based, says the cooling system would be far less water-intensive than most datacentres, with demand about equal to an average shopping centre. The Guardian says the site would need a peak power capacity of 2.16GW, about a quarter of total state energy demand, and would create about 1,400 long-term jobs, according to the company. 1

Left · 2A petition opposing the Western Downs Digital Park had more than 21,000 signatures according to ABC, which says that is more than any other open Queensland petition. The Guardian puts it at more than 21,500, mostly from the area, according to co-launcher Mordechai Winters. 2 1 Left · 2Opponents draw on the area's coal seam gas history. Denver Kanowski, who has lived in the area for 70 years, called the project "shortsighted stupidity", and Cecil Plains farmer Liza Balmain sees "huge similarities" with the gas era. Antiques dealer Ross Thornton fears a repeat of the "boom-bust cycle" and wants a public meeting, saying people are "scared of the unknown". 1 2 Left · 2Other voices are more mixed. Businessman Doug Machin said "you never knock back development" but doubted the 1,500 construction workers could be found locally. Jo Sheppard, chief executive of Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise, said most residents had not made up their minds and called it "a once in a generation opportunity", while stressing the need for social licence. 2 1

Left · 2Resident Angela Prenzler doubted plans to rely mainly on rain and recycled water, saying the area is "always in drought". Researcher Dr Shay Dougall, who studied the gas industry's impact, urged up-front risk assessment and a consequential role for affected people. The Environmental Defenders Office reports a 250% rise in datacentre queries to its legal advice line since January and calls for a moratorium. 2 1 Left · 2The Queensland government said it will become the "responsible assessor and coordinator" of datacentre applications instead of local councils, under a planning framework not yet released that would mirror its renewable energy reforms. A spokesperson for planning minister Jarrod Bleijie said any deals must have the backing of councils and communities. 2 1 Left · 2Western Downs Mayor Andrew Smith had understood the project would stay with the council, which has about 35,452 residents, and did not endorse or oppose it. ABC reports Zerra DC has applied for "prescribed project" status, which would let the coordinator-general step in and fast-track approvals. Premier David Crisafulli told parliament the project could bring good jobs and lower power bills, and that the state would help the council assess it. 1 2

Left · 2Anthropic wants to begin using the centre as early as next year. Unlike New South Wales and Victoria, Queensland has no dedicated datacentre planning pathway. 1 2