Parliament of Victoria | Legislative Council | Constituency Question
11 August 2026
David ETTERSHANK (Western Metropolitan Region):
My question is for the Minister for Planning.
My constituent in Sunbury is concerned about reports that HiQ are contemplating a hyperscale data centre alongside their proposed waste-to-energy incinerator.
This really would be an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord of disgusting developments.
My constituent is rightly concerned about the absence of any robust regulatory framework for either waste-to-energy or data centres.
Furthermore, neither has a social license.
If the Minister thinks Victorians will continue to accept this lack of transparency and opaque processes, she is sorely mistaken.
My constituent asks, will the Minister consider a moratorium on waste-to-energy and data centre approvals until genuine community consultation has occurred, and appropriate regulations have been ventilated and are in place?
Written Answer
Received: 17 September 2026
Hon. Sonya Kilkenny MP
(Minister for Planning)
I thank the Member for Western Metropolitan Region for his question.
I can advise that I have not received a planning application for this proposal.
When seeking planning approval, a proponent must demonstrate that a proposal is consistent with relevant planning policies and controls relating to environmental, economic and social impacts, in accordance with the Victoria Planning Provisions and the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
If a planning application for this project is submitted, the community will be notified, and all application material will be published on the DTP website. Members of the community will have the opportunity to make submissions and raise any concerns they may have about the proposal. I encourage the community to participate in the planning process and make their views known.
[ENDS]
