You can't sleep in data centres': AI infrastructure clashes with housing crisis as land squeeze intensifies

Australia’s data-center expansion is colliding with the country’s housing shortage, intensifying pressure over land use and skilled labor, according to the report. The country has at least 162 operational data centres and about 90 more projects in development, placing it among the fastest-growing markets outside the U.S. Meanwhile, new Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show residential building approvals fell 5.7% in May, while analysis from Master Builders Australia says the nation is already 91,000 homes short of its National Housing Accord target. Independent Senator David Pocock told SkyNews.com.au that housing development should take priority, citing cases such as Geelong where land earmarked for thousands of homes was bought for a data-centre project. He also warned that residential construction workers are being pulled into data-centre electrical jobs and called for a national framework, tougher regulations, and mechanisms to ensure Australians benefit. Labor backbencher Ed Husic echoed concerns, saying data-centre construction contributes to land pressure that could otherwise support housing.