City of Perth prepares submission to Senate inquiry as AI & data centre boom gathers serious pace

City of Perth staff say data centres need their own set of rules amid fears the rapidly expanding facilities could have major impacts on energy, water, infrastructure and urban amenity.

WA’s capital city is currently preparing a submission to a Senate inquiry into artificial intelligence and data centres.

On May 13, the Senate Environment and Communications References Committee referred an inquiry into artificial intelligence and data centres for investigation and report.

City of Perth officers have recommended the council approve their draft submission.

The council is scheduled to vote on the submission at its August 25 meeting.

Earlier this month the City of Stirling council rejected a proposal to investigate banning data centres across the city.