Radio National Breakfast Tech Council says data centres foundation of Australia's AI capability
Mar 22, 2026
Lucinda Longcroft, acting CEO of the Tech Council of Australia, speaks on data centres, AI infrastructure and the tech sector’s economic footprint. She highlights data centres as the backbone of AI. Short takes cover water use in context,Australia’s competitive advantages, electricity and environmental responsibilities, and the sector’s growing share of GDP and jobs.
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Data Centres Are Core To Australia's AI Ambition
- Data centres are the foundation of Australia's AI capability and require public trust to function effectively.
- Lucinda Longcroft says these infrastructures must hold a social licence and take energy, water and security commitments seriously to integrate with the tech ecosystem.
Data Centre Water Use Is Small Relative To Industry
- In 2024–25 Australian data centres consumed about seven gigalitres of water, a small share of national industrial use.
- That amount is roughly 0.04% of industrial water use and about 1% of mining sector consumption, giving perspective to the headline number.
Policy Will Decide Data Centre Growth
- Growth in the number of data centres depends on policy settings that attract AI developers and secure investment.
- Longcroft highlights Australia's advantages: renewable energy potential, land, stable governance and skilled graduates as a regional hub draw.