Community
19 July, 2026
NSW needs data centre strategy says Tuckerman
New South Wales needs a proper statewide data centre strategy according to Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman.
New South Wales needs a proper statewide data centre strategy according to Member for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman.
She said data centre applications were currently being dealt with through “piecemeal assessments and isolated applications” and accused the NSW Government of being “stubbornly agnostic” to the lack of a proper strategy.
“No community should be forced to carry a disproportionate burden because the State (Government) has failed to plan properly,” she said this week.
Mrs Tuckerman acknowledged growing concerns over the proposed expansion of the data centre in Moss Vale to include gas fired turbines.
“The people of this community are asking for fairness, common sense and proper planning,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“The State (Government) needs to develop a proper strategy for data centre infrastructure and ensure that the digital economy grows in a way that is planned, responsible and fair.”
Speaking in Parliament recently, Mrs Tuckerman said there was “no doubt” that data centres would play an important role moving forward.
“While communities recognise the importance of investment and economic growth, they also seek transparency regarding the long-term environmental energy and community of these proposals.”
Mrs Tuckerman said there needed to be “genuine community consultation” in relation to data centre proposals – not only in the Southern Highlands but across the state.
“One of the clearest lessons from the renewable energy rollout is that communities expect to be informed early, engaged honestly and treated with respect.
“Consultation should not simply be about meeting a statutory requirement. It must be about building trust.
“When information is unclear, when questions remain unanswered and when communities feel that decisions have already been made, confidence is eroded.
“Strong projects require strong social licence and strong social licence can only be achieved through transparency and meaningful engagement.”
Mrs Tuckerman said a clear framework would provide certainty for industry, investors and communities.
“A clear state framework would help to identify appropriate locations, infrastructure requirements, environmental safeguards and community benefit arrangements.
“It would provide confidence that decisions are being made strategically rather than on a project-by-project basis.
“Economic development and community confidence are not mutually exclusive,” Mrs Tuckerman said.
“The most successful projects are those that achieve both.
“That should remain the objective of New South Wales.”
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