Artificial intelligence could actually bring about an investment boom for regional Australia
While major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have already established data centre infrastructures, a lack of available space means regional Australia is emerging as the new frontier of this burgeoning sector, with companies looking further afield - to places like Bendigo, Dubbo, Ballarat, and Townsville.
This is a win for regional communities because it will not only improve local telecommunications networks with faster internet and improved reliability and energy infrastructure, but will also create jobs.
From electricians, engineers, and construction workers to IT technicians and security personnel, these facilities will support a range of employment opportunities and offer new pathways for young people to gain digital skills and stay in their communities rather than migrate to the cities.
There's a boost for regional businesses too, improving reliability for cloud services particularly in the agriculture and health sectors which are increasingly reliant on digital platforms such as telehealth.
Australia is already home to more than 250 data centres with 27 located in regional areas and that figure is set to increase significantly within the next decade.
If your town is one of the 27 which already exist, chances are you don't even realise, because the nondescript buildings just look like an ordinary office space or warehouse. Only these ones house a group of networked computer servers used by organisations for the remote storage and processing of large amounts of data.
Australia has a high per capita data consumption, ranking among the top in the world with consumers averaging around 361GB per month and the rapid advancement of AI, from large language models to generative applications, is driving unprecedented growth in data processing and storage needs. As more of us use AI, there's a capacity crisis for data storage centers, pushing them to evolve in scale, efficiency, and technology.
According to Knight Frank's 2025 Global Data Centres Report, Australia has become the second-largest destination for data centre investment with a projected annual growth rate around 20 per cent until 2030.
Big businesses are investing huge amounts of money and resources into regional parts of the country with demand increasing tenfold as the nation's data centre market experiences unprecedented growth.
Particularly towns in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), are becoming prime locations for these developments as the increasing use of AI spurs demand and developers tap into reliable energy sites and affordable land.
Land suitable for data centres can be worth 150 per cent to 200 per cent more than its usual market value, often found in commercial areas, old warehouses and industrial sheds that can be transformed.
Once operational, data centres can be valued up to 20 times more than traditional commercial properties due to their role in supporting digital economies.
Decentralising digital infrastructure away from the cities will not only build resilience on the network but will put regional communities which have long been on the periphery of economic and technological progress on the digital map.
There's a big leap under way in Australia's digital transformation and it's happening far from the skyscrapers of the major cities, instead humming away in the paddocks, plains, and proud communities of regional Australia.
While major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have already established data centre infrastructures, a lack of available space means regional Australia is emerging as the new frontier of this burgeoning sector, with companies looking further afield - to places like Bendigo, Dubbo, Ballarat, and Townsville.
This is a win for regional communities because it will not only improve local telecommunications networks with faster internet and improved reliability and energy infrastructure, but will also create jobs.
From electricians, engineers, and construction workers to IT technicians and security personnel, these facilities will support a range of employment opportunities and offer new pathways for young people to gain digital skills and stay in their communities rather than migrate to the cities.
There's a boost for regional businesses too, improving reliability for cloud services particularly in the agriculture and health sectors which are increasingly reliant on digital platforms such as telehealth.
Australia is already home to more than 250 data centres with 27 located in regional areas and that figure is set to increase significantly within the next decade.
If your town is one of the 27 which already exist, chances are you don't even realise, because the nondescript buildings just look like an ordinary office space or warehouse. Only these ones house a group of networked computer servers used by organisations for the remote storage and processing of large amounts of data.
Australia has a high per capita data consumption, ranking among the top in the world with consumers averaging around 361GB per month and the rapid advancement of AI, from large language models to generative applications, is driving unprecedented growth in data processing and storage needs. As more of us use AI, there's a capacity crisis for data storage centers, pushing them to evolve in scale, efficiency, and technology.
According to Knight Frank's 2025 Global Data Centres Report, Australia has become the second-largest destination for data centre investment with a projected annual growth rate around 20 per cent until 2030.
Big businesses are investing huge amounts of money and resources into regional parts of the country with demand increasing tenfold as the nation's data centre market experiences unprecedented growth.
Particularly towns in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), are becoming prime locations for these developments as the increasing use of AI spurs demand and developers tap into reliable energy sites and affordable land.
Land suitable for data centres can be worth 150 per cent to 200 per cent more than its usual market value, often found in commercial areas, old warehouses and industrial sheds that can be transformed.
Once operational, data centres can be valued up to 20 times more than traditional commercial properties due to their role in supporting digital economies.
Decentralising digital infrastructure away from the cities will not only build resilience on the network but will put regional communities which have long been on the periphery of economic and technological progress on the digital map.
There's a big leap under way in Australia's digital transformation and it's happening far from the skyscrapers of the major cities, instead humming away in the paddocks, plains, and proud communities of regional Australia.
While major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have already established data centre infrastructures, a lack of available space means regional Australia is emerging as the new frontier of this burgeoning sector, with companies looking further afield - to places like Bendigo, Dubbo, Ballarat, and Townsville.
This is a win for regional communities because it will not only improve local telecommunications networks with faster internet and improved reliability and energy infrastructure, but will also create jobs.
From electricians, engineers, and construction workers to IT technicians and security personnel, these facilities will support a range of employment opportunities and offer new pathways for young people to gain digital skills and stay in their communities rather than migrate to the cities.
There's a boost for regional businesses too, improving reliability for cloud services particularly in the agriculture and health sectors which are increasingly reliant on digital platforms such as telehealth.
Australia is already home to more than 250 data centres with 27 located in regional areas and that figure is set to increase significantly within the next decade.
If your town is one of the 27 which already exist, chances are you don't even realise, because the nondescript buildings just look like an ordinary office space or warehouse. Only these ones house a group of networked computer servers used by organisations for the remote storage and processing of large amounts of data.
Australia has a high per capita data consumption, ranking among the top in the world with consumers averaging around 361GB per month and the rapid advancement of AI, from large language models to generative applications, is driving unprecedented growth in data processing and storage needs. As more of us use AI, there's a capacity crisis for data storage centers, pushing them to evolve in scale, efficiency, and technology.
According to Knight Frank's 2025 Global Data Centres Report, Australia has become the second-largest destination for data centre investment with a projected annual growth rate around 20 per cent until 2030.
Big businesses are investing huge amounts of money and resources into regional parts of the country with demand increasing tenfold as the nation's data centre market experiences unprecedented growth.
Particularly towns in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), are becoming prime locations for these developments as the increasing use of AI spurs demand and developers tap into reliable energy sites and affordable land.
Land suitable for data centres can be worth 150 per cent to 200 per cent more than its usual market value, often found in commercial areas, old warehouses and industrial sheds that can be transformed.
Once operational, data centres can be valued up to 20 times more than traditional commercial properties due to their role in supporting digital economies.
Decentralising digital infrastructure away from the cities will not only build resilience on the network but will put regional communities which have long been on the periphery of economic and technological progress on the digital map.
There's a big leap under way in Australia's digital transformation and it's happening far from the skyscrapers of the major cities, instead humming away in the paddocks, plains, and proud communities of regional Australia.
While major cities like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane have already established data centre infrastructures, a lack of available space means regional Australia is emerging as the new frontier of this burgeoning sector, with companies looking further afield - to places like Bendigo, Dubbo, Ballarat, and Townsville.
This is a win for regional communities because it will not only improve local telecommunications networks with faster internet and improved reliability and energy infrastructure, but will also create jobs.
From electricians, engineers, and construction workers to IT technicians and security personnel, these facilities will support a range of employment opportunities and offer new pathways for young people to gain digital skills and stay in their communities rather than migrate to the cities.
There's a boost for regional businesses too, improving reliability for cloud services particularly in the agriculture and health sectors which are increasingly reliant on digital platforms such as telehealth.
Australia is already home to more than 250 data centres with 27 located in regional areas and that figure is set to increase significantly within the next decade.
If your town is one of the 27 which already exist, chances are you don't even realise, because the nondescript buildings just look like an ordinary office space or warehouse. Only these ones house a group of networked computer servers used by organisations for the remote storage and processing of large amounts of data.
Australia has a high per capita data consumption, ranking among the top in the world with consumers averaging around 361GB per month and the rapid advancement of AI, from large language models to generative applications, is driving unprecedented growth in data processing and storage needs. As more of us use AI, there's a capacity crisis for data storage centers, pushing them to evolve in scale, efficiency, and technology.
According to Knight Frank's 2025 Global Data Centres Report, Australia has become the second-largest destination for data centre investment with a projected annual growth rate around 20 per cent until 2030.
Big businesses are investing huge amounts of money and resources into regional parts of the country with demand increasing tenfold as the nation's data centre market experiences unprecedented growth.
Particularly towns in Renewable Energy Zones (REZs), are becoming prime locations for these developments as the increasing use of AI spurs demand and developers tap into reliable energy sites and affordable land.
Land suitable for data centres can be worth 150 per cent to 200 per cent more than its usual market value, often found in commercial areas, old warehouses and industrial sheds that can be transformed.
Once operational, data centres can be valued up to 20 times more than traditional commercial properties due to their role in supporting digital economies.
Decentralising digital infrastructure away from the cities will not only build resilience on the network but will put regional communities which have long been on the periphery of economic and technological progress on the digital map.
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The Advertiser
7 days ago
- The Advertiser
People's Blockade: critics say Rising Tide's record raises red flags too serious to ignore
WHILE the vast majority backed climate activist group Rising Tide's application to host its protestival in Newcastle later this year, warnings from industry, transport and business leaders have escalated. With Newcastle councillors set to decide on the application next week, many objectors pointed to last year's protest, which ended in mass arrests, drew significant police resources and disrupted movement at the port. A council report released on Monday revealed 86 per cent of more than 1850 submissions supported Rising Tide's application, but critics said the group's track record raises red flags too serious to ignore. Meanwhile Rising Tide has asked Newcastle council to move its event application from Richardson Park back to Foreshore Park. The Port of Newcastle was among the strongest opponents to the application, warning City of Newcastle that approving its event licence would be "akin to permitting a demonstration about airline emissions to take place on an active runway". "No responsible authority would allow such an event due to the clear risks to safety, operations and public confidence," the Port's submission said. "Council must consider the high risk of non-compliance when assessing this application, the risk isn't hypothetical, it's based on demonstrated past conduct. "No group with such a track record should be endorsed or facilitated to do the same again." Last year's blockade ended in 170 arrests as activists defied police orders on the last day and paddled into the shipping channel. The Port's submission argued that the protest narrative focuses narrowly on coal, and ignores its critical role in delivering economic benefits to the region, sustainability and transition outcomes. The Port said it enabled the first shipments of wind turbine components to support the development of Renewable Energy Zones and said its Clean Energy Precinct is on track for production by 2030. "To continue targeting the Port, while ignoring the breadth of its contribution and transformation, is to advance a narrative that is outdated, misleading, and increasingly at odds with the progress being made across our region," it said. "This is a region that has proudly powered the nation for generations, and now, with the support of industry, government, and the community, is leading the way in charting a responsible course toward net zero." The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) raised concerns about operational shutdowns and safety risks. ARTC said it has had to take a range of measures, including stopping passenger train services during night-time hours, due to the risks to staff and passengers as a result of Rising Tide's and other groups' protest activities. "Unauthorised access to a live rail corridor is not only an offence, it jeopardises the health, safety and wellbeing of our rail workers and train drivers, first responders, as well as protestors' own safety," ARTC's submission said. "Rising Tide's organisers and supporters have previously demonstrated a reckless disregard for safety and compliance with the law and licence conditions." Business Hunter threw its support behind the Port and commercial operators who work in and around it. "These operators have a right to undertake their legal business activities without disruption," its submission said. In 2024, the cruise ship Silver Nova and its almost 1400 passengers and crew cancelled a scheduled visit to Newcastle to avoid the Rising Tide protest. Business Hunter said cruise ship visits are a significant contributor to the visitor economy, generating $20 million in 2023/24, and the cancelled Silver Nova visit came at a "considerable cost" to day trip organisers, hospitality and tourism businesses. "The fallout from this highly publicised cancellation has also served to erode industry confidence in Newcastle as a cruise destination at a time when the city is looking to grow its share of that market," the submission said. Whitehaven Coal took aim at the council itself, arguing it is "offensive" City of Newcastle would encourage and facilitate protesting against employees and businesses in the electorate. Despite opposition from coal, port and rail stakeholders, support for the protestival poured in from faith groups, doctors and grassroots organisations. Hunter Jobs Alliance urged the council to focus solely on the proposed use of public land, not on whether or not the message of the event aligns with political or ideological viewpoints. "The content or target of the protest itself, particularly activities taking place on Newcastle Harbour, falls outside council's jurisdiction, and should not form the basis for Council's decision," its submission said. "We note that Rising Tide's event in 2024 was a vibrant, peaceful, and family-friendly celebration of people power, featuring live music, community meals, children's activities, learning zones, care tents and chai stalls. "It was well-organised, inclusive, and respectful of both the land and the broader community." Supporters raised democratic freedoms, environmental concerns and community connections among their reasons for backing the event. Many expressed a strong desire to see action on climate change and see the event as an opportunity to champion global environmental justice. The Tighes Hill Community Group said the 2025 event is an opportunity to put Newcastle on the world stage concerning climate activism. "... in a world where the right to protest is increasingly denied, it provides a model for civil society to exercise peaceful, safe protest, the right of any functioning democracy," the group said. Doctors for the Environment Australia said Newcastle and the Hunter have not been spared by climate emergencies, which are adversely affecting health. "We ask the council to consider their ethical responsibility to the health and well-being of the community and their responsibility to protect their future safety," its submission said. "It would be negligent of the Newcastle council not to take this seriously." Newcastle East Residents Group (NERG), who were arguably closest to the action, said organisers kept residents fully informed in the lead up to the 2024 event. In its submission, NERG said parklands were left in pristine condition and participants showed care and concern for the environment. "Compared to the Supercars event and its devastating effects on the community, local businesses and the parklands, the Rising Tide event provides great benefit to Newcastle," NERG said. Councillors will vote on the event licence at an extraordinary meeting on August 12. WHILE the vast majority backed climate activist group Rising Tide's application to host its protestival in Newcastle later this year, warnings from industry, transport and business leaders have escalated. With Newcastle councillors set to decide on the application next week, many objectors pointed to last year's protest, which ended in mass arrests, drew significant police resources and disrupted movement at the port. A council report released on Monday revealed 86 per cent of more than 1850 submissions supported Rising Tide's application, but critics said the group's track record raises red flags too serious to ignore. Meanwhile Rising Tide has asked Newcastle council to move its event application from Richardson Park back to Foreshore Park. The Port of Newcastle was among the strongest opponents to the application, warning City of Newcastle that approving its event licence would be "akin to permitting a demonstration about airline emissions to take place on an active runway". "No responsible authority would allow such an event due to the clear risks to safety, operations and public confidence," the Port's submission said. "Council must consider the high risk of non-compliance when assessing this application, the risk isn't hypothetical, it's based on demonstrated past conduct. "No group with such a track record should be endorsed or facilitated to do the same again." Last year's blockade ended in 170 arrests as activists defied police orders on the last day and paddled into the shipping channel. The Port's submission argued that the protest narrative focuses narrowly on coal, and ignores its critical role in delivering economic benefits to the region, sustainability and transition outcomes. The Port said it enabled the first shipments of wind turbine components to support the development of Renewable Energy Zones and said its Clean Energy Precinct is on track for production by 2030. "To continue targeting the Port, while ignoring the breadth of its contribution and transformation, is to advance a narrative that is outdated, misleading, and increasingly at odds with the progress being made across our region," it said. "This is a region that has proudly powered the nation for generations, and now, with the support of industry, government, and the community, is leading the way in charting a responsible course toward net zero." The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) raised concerns about operational shutdowns and safety risks. ARTC said it has had to take a range of measures, including stopping passenger train services during night-time hours, due to the risks to staff and passengers as a result of Rising Tide's and other groups' protest activities. "Unauthorised access to a live rail corridor is not only an offence, it jeopardises the health, safety and wellbeing of our rail workers and train drivers, first responders, as well as protestors' own safety," ARTC's submission said. "Rising Tide's organisers and supporters have previously demonstrated a reckless disregard for safety and compliance with the law and licence conditions." Business Hunter threw its support behind the Port and commercial operators who work in and around it. "These operators have a right to undertake their legal business activities without disruption," its submission said. In 2024, the cruise ship Silver Nova and its almost 1400 passengers and crew cancelled a scheduled visit to Newcastle to avoid the Rising Tide protest. Business Hunter said cruise ship visits are a significant contributor to the visitor economy, generating $20 million in 2023/24, and the cancelled Silver Nova visit came at a "considerable cost" to day trip organisers, hospitality and tourism businesses. "The fallout from this highly publicised cancellation has also served to erode industry confidence in Newcastle as a cruise destination at a time when the city is looking to grow its share of that market," the submission said. Whitehaven Coal took aim at the council itself, arguing it is "offensive" City of Newcastle would encourage and facilitate protesting against employees and businesses in the electorate. Despite opposition from coal, port and rail stakeholders, support for the protestival poured in from faith groups, doctors and grassroots organisations. Hunter Jobs Alliance urged the council to focus solely on the proposed use of public land, not on whether or not the message of the event aligns with political or ideological viewpoints. "The content or target of the protest itself, particularly activities taking place on Newcastle Harbour, falls outside council's jurisdiction, and should not form the basis for Council's decision," its submission said. "We note that Rising Tide's event in 2024 was a vibrant, peaceful, and family-friendly celebration of people power, featuring live music, community meals, children's activities, learning zones, care tents and chai stalls. "It was well-organised, inclusive, and respectful of both the land and the broader community." Supporters raised democratic freedoms, environmental concerns and community connections among their reasons for backing the event. Many expressed a strong desire to see action on climate change and see the event as an opportunity to champion global environmental justice. The Tighes Hill Community Group said the 2025 event is an opportunity to put Newcastle on the world stage concerning climate activism. "... in a world where the right to protest is increasingly denied, it provides a model for civil society to exercise peaceful, safe protest, the right of any functioning democracy," the group said. Doctors for the Environment Australia said Newcastle and the Hunter have not been spared by climate emergencies, which are adversely affecting health. "We ask the council to consider their ethical responsibility to the health and well-being of the community and their responsibility to protect their future safety," its submission said. "It would be negligent of the Newcastle council not to take this seriously." Newcastle East Residents Group (NERG), who were arguably closest to the action, said organisers kept residents fully informed in the lead up to the 2024 event. In its submission, NERG said parklands were left in pristine condition and participants showed care and concern for the environment. "Compared to the Supercars event and its devastating effects on the community, local businesses and the parklands, the Rising Tide event provides great benefit to Newcastle," NERG said. Councillors will vote on the event licence at an extraordinary meeting on August 12. WHILE the vast majority backed climate activist group Rising Tide's application to host its protestival in Newcastle later this year, warnings from industry, transport and business leaders have escalated. With Newcastle councillors set to decide on the application next week, many objectors pointed to last year's protest, which ended in mass arrests, drew significant police resources and disrupted movement at the port. A council report released on Monday revealed 86 per cent of more than 1850 submissions supported Rising Tide's application, but critics said the group's track record raises red flags too serious to ignore. Meanwhile Rising Tide has asked Newcastle council to move its event application from Richardson Park back to Foreshore Park. The Port of Newcastle was among the strongest opponents to the application, warning City of Newcastle that approving its event licence would be "akin to permitting a demonstration about airline emissions to take place on an active runway". "No responsible authority would allow such an event due to the clear risks to safety, operations and public confidence," the Port's submission said. "Council must consider the high risk of non-compliance when assessing this application, the risk isn't hypothetical, it's based on demonstrated past conduct. "No group with such a track record should be endorsed or facilitated to do the same again." Last year's blockade ended in 170 arrests as activists defied police orders on the last day and paddled into the shipping channel. The Port's submission argued that the protest narrative focuses narrowly on coal, and ignores its critical role in delivering economic benefits to the region, sustainability and transition outcomes. The Port said it enabled the first shipments of wind turbine components to support the development of Renewable Energy Zones and said its Clean Energy Precinct is on track for production by 2030. "To continue targeting the Port, while ignoring the breadth of its contribution and transformation, is to advance a narrative that is outdated, misleading, and increasingly at odds with the progress being made across our region," it said. "This is a region that has proudly powered the nation for generations, and now, with the support of industry, government, and the community, is leading the way in charting a responsible course toward net zero." The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) raised concerns about operational shutdowns and safety risks. ARTC said it has had to take a range of measures, including stopping passenger train services during night-time hours, due to the risks to staff and passengers as a result of Rising Tide's and other groups' protest activities. "Unauthorised access to a live rail corridor is not only an offence, it jeopardises the health, safety and wellbeing of our rail workers and train drivers, first responders, as well as protestors' own safety," ARTC's submission said. "Rising Tide's organisers and supporters have previously demonstrated a reckless disregard for safety and compliance with the law and licence conditions." Business Hunter threw its support behind the Port and commercial operators who work in and around it. "These operators have a right to undertake their legal business activities without disruption," its submission said. In 2024, the cruise ship Silver Nova and its almost 1400 passengers and crew cancelled a scheduled visit to Newcastle to avoid the Rising Tide protest. Business Hunter said cruise ship visits are a significant contributor to the visitor economy, generating $20 million in 2023/24, and the cancelled Silver Nova visit came at a "considerable cost" to day trip organisers, hospitality and tourism businesses. "The fallout from this highly publicised cancellation has also served to erode industry confidence in Newcastle as a cruise destination at a time when the city is looking to grow its share of that market," the submission said. Whitehaven Coal took aim at the council itself, arguing it is "offensive" City of Newcastle would encourage and facilitate protesting against employees and businesses in the electorate. Despite opposition from coal, port and rail stakeholders, support for the protestival poured in from faith groups, doctors and grassroots organisations. Hunter Jobs Alliance urged the council to focus solely on the proposed use of public land, not on whether or not the message of the event aligns with political or ideological viewpoints. "The content or target of the protest itself, particularly activities taking place on Newcastle Harbour, falls outside council's jurisdiction, and should not form the basis for Council's decision," its submission said. "We note that Rising Tide's event in 2024 was a vibrant, peaceful, and family-friendly celebration of people power, featuring live music, community meals, children's activities, learning zones, care tents and chai stalls. "It was well-organised, inclusive, and respectful of both the land and the broader community." Supporters raised democratic freedoms, environmental concerns and community connections among their reasons for backing the event. Many expressed a strong desire to see action on climate change and see the event as an opportunity to champion global environmental justice. The Tighes Hill Community Group said the 2025 event is an opportunity to put Newcastle on the world stage concerning climate activism. "... in a world where the right to protest is increasingly denied, it provides a model for civil society to exercise peaceful, safe protest, the right of any functioning democracy," the group said. Doctors for the Environment Australia said Newcastle and the Hunter have not been spared by climate emergencies, which are adversely affecting health. "We ask the council to consider their ethical responsibility to the health and well-being of the community and their responsibility to protect their future safety," its submission said. "It would be negligent of the Newcastle council not to take this seriously." Newcastle East Residents Group (NERG), who were arguably closest to the action, said organisers kept residents fully informed in the lead up to the 2024 event. In its submission, NERG said parklands were left in pristine condition and participants showed care and concern for the environment. "Compared to the Supercars event and its devastating effects on the community, local businesses and the parklands, the Rising Tide event provides great benefit to Newcastle," NERG said. Councillors will vote on the event licence at an extraordinary meeting on August 12. WHILE the vast majority backed climate activist group Rising Tide's application to host its protestival in Newcastle later this year, warnings from industry, transport and business leaders have escalated. With Newcastle councillors set to decide on the application next week, many objectors pointed to last year's protest, which ended in mass arrests, drew significant police resources and disrupted movement at the port. A council report released on Monday revealed 86 per cent of more than 1850 submissions supported Rising Tide's application, but critics said the group's track record raises red flags too serious to ignore. Meanwhile Rising Tide has asked Newcastle council to move its event application from Richardson Park back to Foreshore Park. The Port of Newcastle was among the strongest opponents to the application, warning City of Newcastle that approving its event licence would be "akin to permitting a demonstration about airline emissions to take place on an active runway". "No responsible authority would allow such an event due to the clear risks to safety, operations and public confidence," the Port's submission said. "Council must consider the high risk of non-compliance when assessing this application, the risk isn't hypothetical, it's based on demonstrated past conduct. "No group with such a track record should be endorsed or facilitated to do the same again." Last year's blockade ended in 170 arrests as activists defied police orders on the last day and paddled into the shipping channel. The Port's submission argued that the protest narrative focuses narrowly on coal, and ignores its critical role in delivering economic benefits to the region, sustainability and transition outcomes. The Port said it enabled the first shipments of wind turbine components to support the development of Renewable Energy Zones and said its Clean Energy Precinct is on track for production by 2030. "To continue targeting the Port, while ignoring the breadth of its contribution and transformation, is to advance a narrative that is outdated, misleading, and increasingly at odds with the progress being made across our region," it said. "This is a region that has proudly powered the nation for generations, and now, with the support of industry, government, and the community, is leading the way in charting a responsible course toward net zero." The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) raised concerns about operational shutdowns and safety risks. ARTC said it has had to take a range of measures, including stopping passenger train services during night-time hours, due to the risks to staff and passengers as a result of Rising Tide's and other groups' protest activities. "Unauthorised access to a live rail corridor is not only an offence, it jeopardises the health, safety and wellbeing of our rail workers and train drivers, first responders, as well as protestors' own safety," ARTC's submission said. "Rising Tide's organisers and supporters have previously demonstrated a reckless disregard for safety and compliance with the law and licence conditions." Business Hunter threw its support behind the Port and commercial operators who work in and around it. "These operators have a right to undertake their legal business activities without disruption," its submission said. In 2024, the cruise ship Silver Nova and its almost 1400 passengers and crew cancelled a scheduled visit to Newcastle to avoid the Rising Tide protest. Business Hunter said cruise ship visits are a significant contributor to the visitor economy, generating $20 million in 2023/24, and the cancelled Silver Nova visit came at a "considerable cost" to day trip organisers, hospitality and tourism businesses. "The fallout from this highly publicised cancellation has also served to erode industry confidence in Newcastle as a cruise destination at a time when the city is looking to grow its share of that market," the submission said. Whitehaven Coal took aim at the council itself, arguing it is "offensive" City of Newcastle would encourage and facilitate protesting against employees and businesses in the electorate. Despite opposition from coal, port and rail stakeholders, support for the protestival poured in from faith groups, doctors and grassroots organisations. Hunter Jobs Alliance urged the council to focus solely on the proposed use of public land, not on whether or not the message of the event aligns with political or ideological viewpoints. "The content or target of the protest itself, particularly activities taking place on Newcastle Harbour, falls outside council's jurisdiction, and should not form the basis for Council's decision," its submission said. "We note that Rising Tide's event in 2024 was a vibrant, peaceful, and family-friendly celebration of people power, featuring live music, community meals, children's activities, learning zones, care tents and chai stalls. "It was well-organised, inclusive, and respectful of both the land and the broader community." Supporters raised democratic freedoms, environmental concerns and community connections among their reasons for backing the event. Many expressed a strong desire to see action on climate change and see the event as an opportunity to champion global environmental justice. The Tighes Hill Community Group said the 2025 event is an opportunity to put Newcastle on the world stage concerning climate activism. "... in a world where the right to protest is increasingly denied, it provides a model for civil society to exercise peaceful, safe protest, the right of any functioning democracy," the group said. Doctors for the Environment Australia said Newcastle and the Hunter have not been spared by climate emergencies, which are adversely affecting health. "We ask the council to consider their ethical responsibility to the health and well-being of the community and their responsibility to protect their future safety," its submission said. "It would be negligent of the Newcastle council not to take this seriously." Newcastle East Residents Group (NERG), who were arguably closest to the action, said organisers kept residents fully informed in the lead up to the 2024 event. In its submission, NERG said parklands were left in pristine condition and participants showed care and concern for the environment. "Compared to the Supercars event and its devastating effects on the community, local businesses and the parklands, the Rising Tide event provides great benefit to Newcastle," NERG said. Councillors will vote on the event licence at an extraordinary meeting on August 12.
The Advertiser
17-07-2025
- The Advertiser
Construction of Australia's sustainable future goes beyond just renewables
Australia's clean energy transition is accelerating, and the construction sector is central to making it happen. As renewable energy generation and storage projects ramp up, so too does construction of the infrastructure required to deliver them, marking a clear shift from the decade-long focus on road and rail infrastructure projects. According to the 2024 Clean Energy Australia Report, 22 large-scale renewable energy projects were completed in 2023 alone, adding 2.8GW of capacity. That same year, investment in large-scale storage soared to $4.9 billion - a $3 billion increase from the previous year. The pipeline of current and future activity requires significant input from the construction sector, not only to build the renewable infrastructure itself, but also to support the associated needs - housing, roads and services - particularly in the regions. Historically, overseas contractors have played a major role in renewable infrastructure projects, but top-tier Australian construction companies are expanding their capacity to enter this space. Much of this growth is in the Eastern states - NSW, Victoria and Queensland - and particularly in regional areas. Major contractors capable of supporting safe, efficient and sustainable construction in Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), along with their suppliers, are well-placed to lead these massive projects. Designated by the NSW government, REZs are home to clusters of large-scale renewable energy projects. There are five REZs around the state, and they act as modern-day power stations, combining renewable energy infrastructure, storage and high voltage transmission infrastructure. Take the New England Solar Farm, near Uralla, for example. Located in the New England REZ, this 720MW solar and battery project will produce enough renewable energy to power 300,000 homes each year. A job like this doesn't just require a lift-and-shift approach to installing the infrastructure; it requires storage, transport, waste disposal and much more. At the peak of its construction, it's estimated there will be 450 jobs added, and while much of this will be made up of a regional workforce, there will still be a need for workers to travel to the region from outside the area. This brings up the issue of regional accommodation, which is a significant challenge for major developments. The NSW government's Regional Housing Taskforce discovered that regional NSW has faced significant housing supply and affordability pressures since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many regional towns, particularly in NSW, are facing high demand for accommodation that does not currently exist. Although there are generally new housing developments on the way in regional areas, these will take many years, often more than a decade, before they are completed and occupied. Major infrastructure endeavours, such as large-scale renewable energy projects, need short-term accommodation solutions for workers now. Regional renewable energy infrastructure projects do more than build services that help major cities. They create a new industry for rural and remote areas and bring immense value to the surrounding towns. For example, through the New England Solar Farm, renewable energy developer ACEN Australia is providing $7 million in community funding via its Social Investment Program (SIP) to help support thriving and resilient regional communities. During construction alone, the hundreds of workers at any site will access nearby towns and businesses, spending their money in the local economy. Once a project is complete, a long-term workforce can be built, with skilled job opportunities, which in turn encourages workers and their families to move to the regions. This grows that area, bringing in further benefits. Increased population and a solid local economy in regional towns drive further investment in infrastructure such as transport, education and health, while also encouraging some larger external businesses to set up new locations. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure is vital for a sustainable and prosperous future, but we must also invest in the right infrastructure to support the communities responsible for rolling it out. Australia's clean energy transition is accelerating, and the construction sector is central to making it happen. As renewable energy generation and storage projects ramp up, so too does construction of the infrastructure required to deliver them, marking a clear shift from the decade-long focus on road and rail infrastructure projects. According to the 2024 Clean Energy Australia Report, 22 large-scale renewable energy projects were completed in 2023 alone, adding 2.8GW of capacity. That same year, investment in large-scale storage soared to $4.9 billion - a $3 billion increase from the previous year. The pipeline of current and future activity requires significant input from the construction sector, not only to build the renewable infrastructure itself, but also to support the associated needs - housing, roads and services - particularly in the regions. Historically, overseas contractors have played a major role in renewable infrastructure projects, but top-tier Australian construction companies are expanding their capacity to enter this space. Much of this growth is in the Eastern states - NSW, Victoria and Queensland - and particularly in regional areas. Major contractors capable of supporting safe, efficient and sustainable construction in Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), along with their suppliers, are well-placed to lead these massive projects. Designated by the NSW government, REZs are home to clusters of large-scale renewable energy projects. There are five REZs around the state, and they act as modern-day power stations, combining renewable energy infrastructure, storage and high voltage transmission infrastructure. Take the New England Solar Farm, near Uralla, for example. Located in the New England REZ, this 720MW solar and battery project will produce enough renewable energy to power 300,000 homes each year. A job like this doesn't just require a lift-and-shift approach to installing the infrastructure; it requires storage, transport, waste disposal and much more. At the peak of its construction, it's estimated there will be 450 jobs added, and while much of this will be made up of a regional workforce, there will still be a need for workers to travel to the region from outside the area. This brings up the issue of regional accommodation, which is a significant challenge for major developments. The NSW government's Regional Housing Taskforce discovered that regional NSW has faced significant housing supply and affordability pressures since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many regional towns, particularly in NSW, are facing high demand for accommodation that does not currently exist. Although there are generally new housing developments on the way in regional areas, these will take many years, often more than a decade, before they are completed and occupied. Major infrastructure endeavours, such as large-scale renewable energy projects, need short-term accommodation solutions for workers now. Regional renewable energy infrastructure projects do more than build services that help major cities. They create a new industry for rural and remote areas and bring immense value to the surrounding towns. For example, through the New England Solar Farm, renewable energy developer ACEN Australia is providing $7 million in community funding via its Social Investment Program (SIP) to help support thriving and resilient regional communities. During construction alone, the hundreds of workers at any site will access nearby towns and businesses, spending their money in the local economy. Once a project is complete, a long-term workforce can be built, with skilled job opportunities, which in turn encourages workers and their families to move to the regions. This grows that area, bringing in further benefits. Increased population and a solid local economy in regional towns drive further investment in infrastructure such as transport, education and health, while also encouraging some larger external businesses to set up new locations. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure is vital for a sustainable and prosperous future, but we must also invest in the right infrastructure to support the communities responsible for rolling it out. Australia's clean energy transition is accelerating, and the construction sector is central to making it happen. As renewable energy generation and storage projects ramp up, so too does construction of the infrastructure required to deliver them, marking a clear shift from the decade-long focus on road and rail infrastructure projects. According to the 2024 Clean Energy Australia Report, 22 large-scale renewable energy projects were completed in 2023 alone, adding 2.8GW of capacity. That same year, investment in large-scale storage soared to $4.9 billion - a $3 billion increase from the previous year. The pipeline of current and future activity requires significant input from the construction sector, not only to build the renewable infrastructure itself, but also to support the associated needs - housing, roads and services - particularly in the regions. Historically, overseas contractors have played a major role in renewable infrastructure projects, but top-tier Australian construction companies are expanding their capacity to enter this space. Much of this growth is in the Eastern states - NSW, Victoria and Queensland - and particularly in regional areas. Major contractors capable of supporting safe, efficient and sustainable construction in Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), along with their suppliers, are well-placed to lead these massive projects. Designated by the NSW government, REZs are home to clusters of large-scale renewable energy projects. There are five REZs around the state, and they act as modern-day power stations, combining renewable energy infrastructure, storage and high voltage transmission infrastructure. Take the New England Solar Farm, near Uralla, for example. Located in the New England REZ, this 720MW solar and battery project will produce enough renewable energy to power 300,000 homes each year. A job like this doesn't just require a lift-and-shift approach to installing the infrastructure; it requires storage, transport, waste disposal and much more. At the peak of its construction, it's estimated there will be 450 jobs added, and while much of this will be made up of a regional workforce, there will still be a need for workers to travel to the region from outside the area. This brings up the issue of regional accommodation, which is a significant challenge for major developments. The NSW government's Regional Housing Taskforce discovered that regional NSW has faced significant housing supply and affordability pressures since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many regional towns, particularly in NSW, are facing high demand for accommodation that does not currently exist. Although there are generally new housing developments on the way in regional areas, these will take many years, often more than a decade, before they are completed and occupied. Major infrastructure endeavours, such as large-scale renewable energy projects, need short-term accommodation solutions for workers now. Regional renewable energy infrastructure projects do more than build services that help major cities. They create a new industry for rural and remote areas and bring immense value to the surrounding towns. For example, through the New England Solar Farm, renewable energy developer ACEN Australia is providing $7 million in community funding via its Social Investment Program (SIP) to help support thriving and resilient regional communities. During construction alone, the hundreds of workers at any site will access nearby towns and businesses, spending their money in the local economy. Once a project is complete, a long-term workforce can be built, with skilled job opportunities, which in turn encourages workers and their families to move to the regions. This grows that area, bringing in further benefits. Increased population and a solid local economy in regional towns drive further investment in infrastructure such as transport, education and health, while also encouraging some larger external businesses to set up new locations. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure is vital for a sustainable and prosperous future, but we must also invest in the right infrastructure to support the communities responsible for rolling it out. Australia's clean energy transition is accelerating, and the construction sector is central to making it happen. As renewable energy generation and storage projects ramp up, so too does construction of the infrastructure required to deliver them, marking a clear shift from the decade-long focus on road and rail infrastructure projects. According to the 2024 Clean Energy Australia Report, 22 large-scale renewable energy projects were completed in 2023 alone, adding 2.8GW of capacity. That same year, investment in large-scale storage soared to $4.9 billion - a $3 billion increase from the previous year. The pipeline of current and future activity requires significant input from the construction sector, not only to build the renewable infrastructure itself, but also to support the associated needs - housing, roads and services - particularly in the regions. Historically, overseas contractors have played a major role in renewable infrastructure projects, but top-tier Australian construction companies are expanding their capacity to enter this space. Much of this growth is in the Eastern states - NSW, Victoria and Queensland - and particularly in regional areas. Major contractors capable of supporting safe, efficient and sustainable construction in Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), along with their suppliers, are well-placed to lead these massive projects. Designated by the NSW government, REZs are home to clusters of large-scale renewable energy projects. There are five REZs around the state, and they act as modern-day power stations, combining renewable energy infrastructure, storage and high voltage transmission infrastructure. Take the New England Solar Farm, near Uralla, for example. Located in the New England REZ, this 720MW solar and battery project will produce enough renewable energy to power 300,000 homes each year. A job like this doesn't just require a lift-and-shift approach to installing the infrastructure; it requires storage, transport, waste disposal and much more. At the peak of its construction, it's estimated there will be 450 jobs added, and while much of this will be made up of a regional workforce, there will still be a need for workers to travel to the region from outside the area. This brings up the issue of regional accommodation, which is a significant challenge for major developments. The NSW government's Regional Housing Taskforce discovered that regional NSW has faced significant housing supply and affordability pressures since the COVID-19 pandemic. Many regional towns, particularly in NSW, are facing high demand for accommodation that does not currently exist. Although there are generally new housing developments on the way in regional areas, these will take many years, often more than a decade, before they are completed and occupied. Major infrastructure endeavours, such as large-scale renewable energy projects, need short-term accommodation solutions for workers now. Regional renewable energy infrastructure projects do more than build services that help major cities. They create a new industry for rural and remote areas and bring immense value to the surrounding towns. For example, through the New England Solar Farm, renewable energy developer ACEN Australia is providing $7 million in community funding via its Social Investment Program (SIP) to help support thriving and resilient regional communities. During construction alone, the hundreds of workers at any site will access nearby towns and businesses, spending their money in the local economy. Once a project is complete, a long-term workforce can be built, with skilled job opportunities, which in turn encourages workers and their families to move to the regions. This grows that area, bringing in further benefits. Increased population and a solid local economy in regional towns drive further investment in infrastructure such as transport, education and health, while also encouraging some larger external businesses to set up new locations. Investing in renewable energy infrastructure is vital for a sustainable and prosperous future, but we must also invest in the right infrastructure to support the communities responsible for rolling it out.
AU Financial Review
15-07-2025
- AU Financial Review
How to invest like a millionaire in commercial property – with $100k
The world's wealthiest people have turned to commercial property investment as residential values rise and a growing number of younger investors with less capital to spend are increasingly picking up on the trend, too. Commercial real estate investment in Australia rose by 57 per cent year-on-year and is the sixth most active global market, according to real estate agency Knight Frank's Wealth Report 2025 published in March.
