As a young resident in the Calwell area of Victoria, I am deeply concerned about the proposal to build AI data centres in Campbellfield (specifically being a 6 building data centre campus along 300-340 Barry Road, by Zerra DC ). This issue is of much severity to the people and businesses in living proximity of that area.

The construction of AI data centres can cause major environmental damage, contributing to climate change and depleting precious water resources. These centres consume vast amounts of energy and water, adding substantial stress to an already fragile ecosystem. They operate 24/7, consuming energy equivalent to several thousand homes, thus increasing carbon emissions dramatically in our area. Especially in areas with much grassland ad fragile ecosystems, this can also be a potential hazard for fire risk.

Furthermore, water usage is another critical concern. Data centres require significant water resources to cool their servers. In regions like Victoria, where water scarcity is an ongoing concern, this could lead to severe consequences for our local water supplies.

We need to prioritize sustainable development in Campbellfield and consider alternative locations or technologies that lessen environmental impacts. The lack of thorough environmental assessments and transparency about the long-term impacts of the data centres only adds to the community's concerns.

Local authorities must listen to the voices of the residents and act responsibly. We ask the Victoria Government to halt the plans for these AI data centres until comprehensive environmental impact assessments have been conducted and alternative solutions are explored. If Zerra DC is willing to either scrap the construction, or contribute to building sustainable AI systems, this will be a major win for the people of Victoria.

Please sign this petition with identification to preserve the environment and protect our community from the adverse effects of these developments. Your signature can make a difference!