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ARTICLE · 12 OCTOBER 2026

Victoria’s New Data Centre Rules – Implications For Developers And Operators

Holding Redlich
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Victoria's new Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan introduces comprehensive planning, renewable energy, and community benefit requirements for data centre developments. The regulations establish location restrictions, noise limits, renewable energy mandates, and water supply requirements while creating new referral authorities to oversee compliance. These changes will significantly impact how developers and operators plan and execute data centre projects in Victoria's rapidly expanding market.

AustraliaMedia, Telecoms, IT, Entertainment
Dinh Ptok
Dinh Ptok
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The Victorian Government has released its Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan (Action Plan) which introduces new planning, renewable energy and community benefit requirements for data centres looking to operate in Victoria. These rules include separating data centre facilities from residential areas, new investment in renewable energy and storage that matches their energy use and contributing to local communities.

With more than 50 data centres operating in Victoria, data centres accounting for around 3% of electricity supplied through the National Electricity Market (NEM), and data centre electricity demand in Victoria almost doubling in the 12 months to June 2026, it is unsurprising that the Action Plan seeks to ensure data centre investments are well planned, manage resources responsibly and benefit their host communities.

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This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.

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