Australian-owned AI computing company Sharon AI has purchased the former Visy paper mill site at Ettamogah, north of Albury, according to ABC News. The company has not said what it plans to do with the large industrial property, prompting concern among nearby residents about the possibility of a data centre or another major development.
Sharon AI, which is based in Sydney and New York, describes itself as a high-operating computing company, or “neo-cloud”, that rents infrastructure and equipment for artificial intelligence uses. A company spokesperson said Sharon AI was committed to building real-world infrastructure across Australia, creating jobs and having a positive effect on local communities. The company also said it would undertake appropriate community consultation.
Katie Lucantonio, who lives near the site, said uncertainty about its future was a major concern. She raised questions about possible effects on community health, native bushland, flora and fauna, and nearby farms. Ms Lucantonio said consultation should begin during the early planning stages, rather than after key decisions had effectively been made.
NSW Liberal Albury MP Justin Clancy said the community was entitled to ask questions if a large-scale data centre were proposed. He said the growing use of data and AI had created a need for national computing capability, but indicated that the local implications of such infrastructure also needed consideration.
Albury Mayor Kevin Mack said he could not comment on private land ownership. He said any future development would be assessed through normal planning processes, adding that the city welcomed investment that created jobs and supported the regional economy.
The Australian Energy Market Operator estimates data centres consumed about 3 per cent of Australia’s electricity in the past financial year, with that share expected to reach 13 per cent by 2035. University of Sydney academic Johanna Lim told ABC News that the resources required by data centres often create local concerns even when their services operate at a national or global level. She said early engagement and transparency would be important as regional communities considered such projects. Albury already has a data centre near its airport.