Katie Hall MP, Labor Member for Footscray, has written to the Minister for Planning to support the advocacy of local residents against the expansion of NextDC. 

We are being heard.
Every objection matters.
Every signature and share counts. 
Submissions are open until 11 April.

Katie Hall MP is happy for us to share her correspondence to the Minister of Planning with the community:

Dear Minister,

RE: Ministerial permit application PA2604231, Next DC data centre

I am writing to share the concerns of many of my constituents regarding the proposed expansion of the Next DC data centre in West Footscray.

I note that the City of Maribyrnong has submitted an objection to the permit application in its current form and has recommended a range of conditions.

These proposed conditions relate to setbacks, construction, trees, landscaping and the public realm, with a particular emphasis on the Stony Creek corridor.

The proposed expansion is on industrially zoned land, and the legacy impacts of heavy industry continue to constrain such land in the inner west. However, the site directly abuts a well-established residential community and Stony Creek, an important local waterway and walking track.

The Victorian Government has invested significant funds to remediate Stony Creek following an illegal contamination event and major industrial fire in 2018 from a nearby property. Protecting the creek and minimising the overwhelming bulk of the proposed development are key community concerns.

Residents have been rightfully frustrated by the construction impacts of the existing data centre. This includes the site's location within 500 metres of over 800 homes, a kindergarten, maternal and child health services, and Stony Creek. As a result, they are understandably concerned about the reliance on diesel generators during power outages, as well as the regular testing of these systems. To date, residents have received no advance warning of diesel generator testing and would like air quality monitoring in place at the existing facility where a recent unplanned outage resulted in fumes considerably impacting nearby households.

To this end, residents, including the community group 'Citizens of Tottenham', are seeking a refusal of the permit application until a comprehensive independent cumulative impact assessment has been completed, covering air quality, diesel emissions, health impacts on sensitive receptors, and fuel storage risk to the Stony Creek catchment.'

I support the advocacy undertaken by residents and would welcome an opportunity to meet with you to discuss these concerns further.

Kind regards

Katie Hall MP
Member for Footscray

02 April 2026