Forecasts slashed after community opposition stalls AI expansion plans
NextDC has data centers in Australia, including this Sydney collaboration with OpenAI, New Zealand, Malaysia and Japan. © Getty Images
SHAUN TURTON
October 21, 2026 15:04 JST
CANBERRA -- Major Australian data center operator NextDC's shares tumbled 40% on Wednesday after the company revealed that a public backlash had stalled plans to increase power supply to a flagship site in Melbourne, underscoring the challenges facing the rollout of in-demand artificial intelligence infrastructure.