Reference
Overview
Data centres provide critical infrastructure. They underpin the digital services Victoria’s businesses, communities and governments rely on every day – from internet connectivity and cloud services to essential systems such as emergency response, transport, healthcare and banking.
As demand for data centres grows, we want to make sure this growth is well planned, sustainable and responsible. Victoria needs data centres, but they must be developed under clear rules that protect communities, manage resources responsibly and deliver local benefits.
The Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan sets out what is expected of data centre development in Victoria and how government will coordinate to support it. It brings together planning, land, energy, water, transport, skills and investment decisions to provide greater certainty for communities and industry. The action plan will ensure growth is well managed and focused on four key enablers:
- land use, location and local impact,
- new energy supply and grid readiness,
- protecting drinking water and securing supply, and
- Victorian jobs, skills and local benefit.
For land use and planning, this means supporting data centres in appropriate locations, with clear requirements to manage impacts on nearby communities, infrastructure and transport. Clearer statewide planning settings and coordinated advice across government will provide greater certainty about where and how data centres can be developed.
The Action Plan will support ongoing engagement with industry and communities, build the skilled workforce Victoria needs for the future, and strengthen Victoria's position as a global destination for responsible data centre investment.
For more information visit the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions.
Minister for Planning’s Statement of Expectations for Data Centre Developments
The Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan sets out what is expected of data centre development in Victoria across planning, water, environment and energy, and how government will support and coordinate it.
In preparation for new planning controls to support the Action Plan’s implementation, the Minister for Planning has prepared a Statement of Expectations for data centre developments. The statement sets out the expectations for a permit application for the use and development of a data centre in Victoria.
It includes the matters that proponents, decision makers and referral authorities are expected to consider when planning, assessing and determining a permit application for a data centre. The expectations support the implementation of the Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan and will inform future amendments to the Victoria Planning Provisions.
The Statement applies to a permit application for a data centre lodged on or after 23 September 2026, including applications assessed through the Development Facilitation Program. These applications are expected to demonstrate compliance with the Statement.
For further information about the Statement of Expectation please contact: strategic.planning@transport.vic.gov.au.
For information about current applications under assessment please contact: planning.facilitation@transport.vic.gov.au
Read the Minister for Planning’s Statement of Expectations for Data Centre Developments (PDF, 209.5 KB)
Read the Sustainable Data Centre Action Plan and AI Mission Statement
Page last updated: 14/10/26