As a Queensland resident, I am deeply concerned about the rapid expansion of AI data centres being proposed across Australia, including developments that may impact the Sunshine Coast and surrounding regions.

The Sunshine Coast is one of the most beautiful and environmentally significant areas in the country. It is home to iconic natural assets such as the Glass House Mountains, Noosa National Park, the Great Sandy Biosphere, coastal wetlands, forests, wildlife corridors and countless native species that rely on these habitats to survive.

Many of us choose to live in South East Queensland because of the region's connection to nature, clean waterways, open spaces and unique wildlife. Once these natural areas are lost or impacted by industrial-scale development, there is often no way to fully restore them.

We are calling on local, state and federal governments to place an immediate pause on approvals for large-scale AI data centres until full environmental, community and resource impact assessments have been completed.

Our concerns include:

  Protection of Wildlife and Nature Reserves
The Sunshine Coast contains critical habitat for koalas, wallabies, migratory birds, marine life and many threatened native species. Any large-scale industrial development must be assessed for its impact on wildlife corridors, ecosystems and protected conservation areas.

  Water Consumption
AI data centres require enormous volumes of water for cooling systems. With Queensland already experiencing drought cycles, population growth and increasing pressure on water supplies, residents deserve transparency regarding how much water these facilities will consume and where that water will come from.

  Energy Demand
These facilities require vast amounts of electricity to operate. The community has a right to understand how this increased demand may affect local infrastructure, energy prices and future development.

  Health and Safety Concerns
Many residents have questions regarding electromagnetic radiation (EMF), industrial noise and other potential impacts associated with large-scale technology infrastructure. Independent and transparent research should be undertaken before projects proceed.

  Preserving the Character of the Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is known worldwide for its natural beauty, tourism industry and outdoor lifestyle. Industrial developments of this scale should not be approved without thorough community consultation and public consent.

  Community Consultation
The people who live, work and raise families in this region deserve a genuine voice in decisions that could permanently change the landscape of South East Queensland.

This petition is not anti-technology.

It is pro-transparency, pro-community and pro-environment.

We believe innovation should work alongside nature, not at the expense of it.

The Sunshine Coast is more than a development opportunity. It is a living ecosystem, a sanctuary for wildlife, and a place that future generations deserve to enjoy just as we have.

We call on decision-makers to prioritise environmental protection, water security, wildlife conservation and community consultation before approving any further AI data centre developments in our region.

If you believe the Sunshine Coast's natural environment should be protected before corporate interests are prioritised, please sign and share this petition.