Proposed AI Data Centre / Factory Developments
Coorong District Council (Council) is aware of increasing community discussion regarding the proposed AI Data Centre/Factory developments at Tailem Bend and Cooke Plains.
Council recognises that proposals of this nature will naturally generate interest, concern and legitimate questions. However, it is important that community discussion is informed by facts, and that speculation, assumptions and unverified claims are not presented as established fact.
It is not necessarily Council’s role to provide all of this information directly. These details will be available in the development application lodged on the State Government’s PlanSA portal. Council will ensure it places a notice on its website directing the community to the State Government site when the development applications are open for public notification.
At this stage, Council has not adopted a position either supporting or opposing the proposed developments. Council’s neutrality reflects the fact that the detailed development applications and supporting technical information required to properly assess the proposals have not yet been presented through the statutory planning process.
Council also wishes to clarify two matters regarding its role:
- Council does not automatically become the relevant planning authority simply because a development is proposed within the Coorong District Council area.
- Council does not automatically have an entitlement to make a submission to the State planning authority simply because a development is proposed within the Council area.
The Planning, Development and Infrastructure Act 2016 provides for different assessment pathways and authorities. Council’s role will depend on the pathway ultimately applicable to the proposal. Once the relevant information is available, Council will participate appropriately in the statutory process.
In the meantime, Council will continue to seek information, engage with the developers and relevant State Government authorities, and encourage the developers and State Government to provide factual information to the community as it becomes available.
Council is also aware of a community-led public meeting being organised in Tailem Bend by community members opposed to the proposed data centre development.
Council is not involved in organising or facilitating this meeting. Council has agreed to provide use of the Tailem Bend Town Hall as in-kind community support, recognising it as an opportunity for members of the community to come together and discuss the proposed development.
Until further information relating to the proposed development is made available, Council’s position remains straightforward: it neither advocates for, nor opposes the proposal. Council will remain informed and participate appropriately in the statutory process.
For further information and updates on the proposed developments, please review the respective developer's websites.
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Contact:
Scott Reardon
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: council@coorong.sa.gov.au