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Victoria (Australia)
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Victoria (Australia)

Australia's second most populous state; capital Melbourne, seat of government at Spring Street.

On 22 September, Victoria (Australia) released rules for future data centres, requiring developers to provide renewable power and storage.

Last refreshed: 24 September 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic

Key Question

What does Victoria's new Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan require of new data centres?

Timeline for Victoria (Australia)

#17 21 Oct

Deferred the M3 stages 6 and 7 planning decision under caretaker conventions

Data Centres: Boom and Backlash: Jemena halts power line to NEXTDC's M3
#15 22 Sept

Victoria makes data centres bring power

Data Centres: Boom and Backlash
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Background

Victoria (Australia) is a state in south-eastern Australia. Melbourne is its capital, and Spring Street is the seat of its government.

Its population is concentrated largely around Melbourne, making state policy on infrastructure, housing and services relevant beyond the capital itself. The state government sets planning and development rules for projects within Victoria.

Victoria's durable importance rests on its role as a major Australian state centred on Melbourne, with authority over state-level planning and public policy.

Common Questions
What are Victoria's new data centre rules?
Premier Ben Carroll's Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan, published September 2026, requires new data centres to supply their own renewable generation and storage, pay their own grid connection costs, avoid drinking water for cooling, and sit at least 150 metres from homes. Already-approved projects are exempt.Source: data-centres briefing
Do Victoria's data centre rules apply to already-approved projects?
No. The rules are not retrospective. Projects already approved, and eight applications already before the minister when the plan was published, are exempt.Source: data-centres briefing
Who is the Premier of Victoria?
Ben Carroll is Victoria's Premier and was sworn in on 28 July 2026.Source: https://www.vic.gov.au/premier
How is the Parliament of Victoria structured?
It has two houses: an 88-member legislative assembly and a 40-member Legislative Council.Source: https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/about/how-parliament-works/two-houses/

Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 24 September 2026. Editorial standards.