Lab Notes: AI data centres are coming to remote Australia

Lab Notes: AI data centres are coming to remote Australia

From The Science Show by ABC Australia

April 30, 2026 · 11 min

About this episode

This episode discusses the implications of building Australia's largest AI data centre in the remote Kimberley region.

The Kimberley region is more than 2000 kilometres north of Western Australia's capital city, Perth. The area is both extremely remote and extremely beautiful. So why is it the proposed location for Australia's biggest "AI factory"? Why do we need this massive AI data centre? And are these factories likely to be built in other remote parts of Australia? You can binge more episodes of the Lab Notes podcast with science editor and presenter Jonathan Webb on the ABC Listen app (Australia). You'll find episodes on animal behaviour, human health, space exploration and so much more. Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.au Featuring: Jess Baker, ABC rural reporter More information: Australia's biggest AI factory planned for remote WA This episode of Lab Notes was produced on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar people.

People in this episode

Host: Jonathan Webb

Guest: Jess Baker

Topics covered

  • AI data centres
  • remote Australia
  • technology
  • environment
  • infrastructure

Keywords

  • AI factory
  • data centre
  • remote location
  • Kimberley
  • Western Australia
  • technology
  • infrastructure

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: ABC Australia

Places: Kimberley region, Western Australia, Perth, Gadigal, Menang Noongar

More episodes of The Science Show

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Science Show podcast page.