Community Calls For A Moratorium On AI Data Centers

Michael Johnstone

1–2 minutes

Despite rainy conditions, approximately 200 local residents and supporters assembled at Hansen Reserve, West Footscray, on 9 August 2026, to protest proposed AI data centre developments. Organised by Borderlands Cooperative with support from Citizens of Tottenham and political parties including the Victorian Socialists and the Australian Greens, demonstrators called for construction halts until new protections addressing health, environmental, and cultural impacts are established.

The rally was attended by a couple of hundred despite the cold and rain. (Photo: Michael Johnstone)

Australian Labor Party MPs spoke at the rally and were met with heckles from members of the crowd accusing the party of not doing enough. (Photo: Michael Johnstone)

After speeches the rally marched through the streets toward the NextDC data centre nearby.
(Photo: Michael Johnstone)

Members of Victorian Socialist were present and lead many of the chants while the protest moved through the streets. (Photo: Michael Johnstone)

National mainstream media attended the rally, with Channel 7 and the ABC crews seen during the event. (Photo: Michael Johnstone)

Traffic was completely blocked while the protest made their way to the NextDC data centre. No traffic incidents were reported. (Photo: Michael Johnstone)

The crowd display the middle finger to a drone flying over the protest as they arrived at the data centre. (Photo: Michael Johnstone)

Some protestors came dressed in creative outfits. (Photo: Michael Johnstone)

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work; the Bunurong and Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people of the Kulin nation. we pay respects to elders past and present. Sovereignty was never ceded, this always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

We proudly welcome and support members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Everyone deserves to feel safe, seen, and respected, here and everywhere.

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