AU Edition - Today's top story: What does a good data centre future look like? And how do we get there? September 19, 2026 AU Edition   Up to $150 billion worth of data centres will be built in Australia over the next few years, as investors rush to keep pace with the AI boom. Meanwhile, communities are pushing back over concerns about energy, water and health – and the government has a tricky job threading the needle. These are the issues at the heart of this week’s series on data centres. We asked experts to do a deep dive into what the surge in high-tech construction means for the environment, the economy and our health – as well as answering readers’ top questions about data centres. So what would a good future look like for data centre development? And how do we get there? If we get it right, Matthew Bennetti and Eleanor Guerra write, data centres can be a force for good, “stabilising the electricity grid, attracting investment to regions, and creating economic growth”. But one key problem is we don’t know how much power, water and other resources data centres use, because operators don’t have to tell anyone. As Michael Vardon writes in another piece in the series, making these disclosures mandatory is a step towards finding out if the economic benefits of data centres justify the costs.   Michael Lucy Science Editor       What does a good data centre future look like? And how do we get there? Matthew Benetti, Climateworks Centre; Eleanor Guerra, Climateworks Centre The decisions we make today will shape Australia’s future for decades. Unsustainable – or manageable? We don’t yet know how data centres will impact Australia’s environment Michael Vardon, Australian National University The data centre boom will mean more energy and water use. The real question is how the energy is produced – and where the water comes from. Best reads this week Hanson’s personal attacks and offensive comments are straight out of the populist playbook. But they come with risks Josh Sunman, Flinders University What is acceptable from a minor party of protest may not be what voters want to see from a potential government. Data centres in Australia: your questions answered Alexandra Hansen, The Conversation; Signe Dean, The Conversation From almost 350 questions, nine experts answer the most common ones you asked. More than 2 million Indigenous people lived in Australia in 1788: new research Corey J. A. Bradshaw, Flinders University; Alan N Williams, James Cook University; Lynette Russell, Monash University; Sean Ulm, James Cook University; Shane Ingrey, UNSW Genetic, archaeological and environmental evidence suggest the Indigenous population fell by more than 90% in the 70 years after the British invaded. Australia’s vast Nullarbor Plain hides deep caves that can teach us about alien worlds Milo Barham, Curtin University; Matej Lipar, ZRC SAZU; Curtin University It might appear featureless, but one of the world’s largest limestone regions hides a remarkable underground world. Why Sydney Sweeney’s controversial advert goes beyond sexualising women’s sport Vivienne Lewis, University of Canberra The discussion surrounding the American actor’s ad raises bigger questions about the attention placed on women’s bodies, not just in sport. Podcasts Australia’s ‘barking mad’ bet on nuclear submarines – the AUKUS deal five years on Isabella Podwinski, The Conversation; Justin Bergman, The Conversation On The Conversation Weekly podcast, defence and security analyst Hugh White explains why the AUKUS project has been anything but smooth sailing. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Matt Canavan on why One Nation is ‘not really compatible’ as a Coalition partner Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra The Nationals leader said he’ll do ‘whatever it takes’ to beat the Labor government – including not ruling out a move to the lower house before the next election. Our most-read article this week Democrats’ chances of gaining control of Congress at US midterms depend on Iran war Adrian Beaumont, The University of Melbourne Recent polling shows if the disruption caused by the Trump administration’s war with Iran continues, Democrats will likely gain control of Congress. In case you missed this week's big stories Life just got tougher for international students under new visa rules. Why is this group being targeted? Peter Hurley, Victoria University; Melinda Hildebrandt, Victoria University The federal government will make it harder for international students to bring their families with them to Australia, among other changes. Grattan on Friday: Burke delivers overdue migration baby, but is it sturdy enough to withstand the critics? Michelle Grattan, University of Canberra The government will be wedged between those who think the changes don’t go far enough and critics who believe they’re draconian. How would One Nation’s immigration plan affect the labour market and economy? Ly Tran, Deakin University Reducing the number of people on student and graduate visas may reduce migration numbers, but it could also weaken demand for Australian goods and services. Five years into AUKUS, what do we have to show for it? We’ve measured progress on three key metrics Thomas Corben, University of Sydney; Esther Soulard, University of Sydney Though reliably measuring progress is difficult, it would be disingenuous to say Australia has nothing to show for its investments to date. Russia’s parliamentary elections will not be a referendum on the Ukraine war – or anything, really Alasdair McCallum, Monash University; Pete Lentini, Monash University Russia is convening its first national parliamentary elections since invading Ukraine, which offer a great deal of predictability but also some unexpected surprises. The US says it has launched ‘space control weapons’. It plays into the hands of its enemies Cassandra Steer, Australian National University This could mark the start of a major arms race in space, which would threaten all of us on Earth. The Houthis have further tightened their grip on the Red Sea. Here’s what it could mean for the world Jessica Genauer, UNSW The move suggests Iran and its allies are settling in for a long war. That could mean pain for the global economy. Thanks, Trump: Why Canada may become the European Union’s first ever ‘associate member’ Stewart Prest, University of British Columbia Canada has spent the last century defending European democracies. Now it’s asking them to return the favour. Why big tech will hate the Australian tax office’s latest ruling Kerrie Sadiq, Queensland University of Technology Australia’s laws don’t deal with all the ways local profits are shifted offshore. The ATO aims to close that gap. Will El Niño send food prices soaring this summer? Don Gunasekera, Deakin University This year’s El Niño is likely to be the strongest on record. That would boost some fruit supplies – but it could also push up wheat, sugar and beef prices. Climate change is putting the squeeze on the world’s grapegrowers: new research Kathiana Luk, The University of Melbourne; Andrew Dowdy, The University of Melbourne; Hamish Clarke, The University of Melbourne Renowned wine regions from Australia to South Africa are battling increasingly fierce fire seasons. Your Say In reference to your article ‘Should schools ban students from doing cartwheels?’, like almost all of those in my generation, we learnt our ‘gymnastics’ in the playground from each other. There was no tuition from anyone but ourselves. I understand anxiety about injury and the reasons cartwheels and handstands may be banned. What if all children were given coaching in how to do these activities? In the UK, my children participated in British Gymnastics awards for a short while, which allowed them to learn how to use their bodies safely, even though neither of them was ever going to be a gymnast! Tumbling, learning to fall, learning proprioception – all these are setting someone up for life. — Jackie Clark Read the article here I would like to see an article where we can see the total picture on Australia's population: Net Overseas Migration (NOM), in addition to the birth rate and death rate. Thanks for the articles. I appreciate the efforts put into respectful and professional journalism. — Vivienne Kennedy   We'd love to hear from you. Each day we publish an edited selection of your views on our stories. Email us     Featured Events, Courses & Jobs View all A Room with a View 3 October - 1 November 2026 • Brisbane Writers Festival 8 - 11 October 2026 • New Farm Canberra Writers Festival 15 - 18 October 2026 • <