# Cessnock City Council opposition to AirTrunk data centre > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cessnock-city-council-opposition-to-airtrunk-data-centre > Updated: 2026-10-26T08:23:50.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Cessnock City Council has voted unanimously to lodge a formal objection to a proposed $3.7 billion data centre in Loxford, located at the former Hydro Aluminium smelter site. The project, spearheaded by AirTrunk, is expected to have an electricity capacity of approximately 540 to 550 megawatts. Councillors raised several concerns regarding the state-significant development, including the impact of 24-hour low-frequency noise from air-cooled plants and backup diesel generators, increased traffic, and heavy demands on the local power grid and infrastructure. The council also cited the facility’s proximity to residential areas. In response to the proposal, AirTrunk has offered a community benefits package valued at over $37 million, which includes contributions to local infrastructure and sporting facilities, a community battery, and an energy program providing eligible nearby households with a $200 annual electricity bill deduction. AirTrunk maintains the facility will be more than 500 metres from the nearest residence and expects to generate over 350 ongoing jobs. Additionally, the council has called on the federal government to implement a moratorium on data centre approvals nationwide until comprehensive federal rules and frameworks are established. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-26: Cessnock Council opposes $3.7 billion Kurri Kurri data centre Cessnock City Council has formally opposed AirTrunk’s proposed $3.7 billion Kurri Kurri data centre, citing concerns over noise, traffic, and electricity use despite a $37 million community benefits package. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cessnock-council-opposes-37-billion-kurri-kurri-data-centre ### 2026-10-23: Cessnock City Council objects to $3.7 billion data centre Cessnock City Council has unanimously opposed AirTrunk’s proposed $3.7 billion, 540-megawatt data centre, citing noise, power grid strain, and infrastructure concerns. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cessnock-city-council-objects-to-37-billion-data-centre --- Cite as: Cessnock City Council opposition to AirTrunk data centre. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cessnock-city-council-opposition-to-airtrunk-data-centre