January Newsletter #5: 🔵 Your local news in 7 minutes
Shark bites, data centres, modernist architecture, and hate speech laws
Huw Bradshaw
January 23, 2026
⏱️ The 74th edition of our newsletter is a 7-minute read.
👋 Morning all,
I’ve been wanting to write a longer story about the data centres popping up across the North Shore. While there is much talk of the projects, few people — including myself, at many times — can really explain what a data centre is, or why we are building so many.
This has contributed, quite understandably, to many locals not being too fond of the centres.
They are big, hot, thirsty buildings that we have been told to accept for the sake of our economy.
What’s more, they have had a tangible impact on our climate goals. The Climate Change Authority — the body who advises the government on climate policy — says their energy demands have caused our emission reduction targets to be weaker.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Data centres can run entirely on renewable energy, so long as that energy exists.
If we want data centres to be part of our economy, we need to build the infrastructure necessary to support them: ideally, without worsening our climate crisis.
It’s a very interesting topic that hasn’t seen much media coverage, and I hope our reporting this week can keep the conversation going among locals.
And now, for something completely different: A new podcast from us, with expert commentary and on-the-ground reporting across the country, to unpack the stories and perspectives you might not be hearing about.
This week, Archie has interviewed Ellie from the Mid North Coaster, talking about locals in her area struggling to find a bulk-billed practice. It’s an issue you might resonate with — and not just something happening up on the Mid North Coast.
Check it out via the link below and, if you like what you hear, think about following our account and leaving a review.
Anyway, let’s get into the news for this week.
HEARD THIS WEEK👂
🪫 From North Ryde to nationwide: is Australia ready for a big data centre future?
New data centres are being constructed across the North Shore and locals have begun to take notice.
While some see these proposals as just another State Significant Development, others have taken serious issue with the potential development, with concerns over the high demands data centres can have on the energy grid.
Close to home: In North Ryde, a proposal for a data centre has drawn criticism from locals on environmental grounds.
Local conservation groups, such as Friends of Lane Cove National Park, have taken issue with the centre’s proposed clearing of old growth bushland, as well as its proximity to the national park.
ISPT, who aims to build the centre, says it will have a maximum power consumption of 170 megawatts, which roughly equates to the household usage of a small city. As the centre will be rented to tenants, there is no guarantee that the energy used will be renewable.
But what impacts are these data centres having on the national level?
Read the full story below.
🦈 Drones, nets, fishing and culling: what will protect you from shark bites?
Beaches across the Northern Beaches LGA have been closed to the public until further notice following a string of shark attacks across NSW, including one in Manly and another in Dee Why.
With public concerns rising, a number of solutions have been suggested by politicians, professional fishers, commentators and scientists. Everything from mass culls, drone surveillance, shark fin soup, nets and satellite imagery have been put forward.
But what will actually help locals stay safe in the water?
Read the full story below.
▫️ The modernist house in the heart of Wahroonga
It seems folks really enjoyed our last video highlighting interesting local architecture, so we headed out to Wahroonga to feature another great local work.
Austrian born Architect Harry Seidler was a leading figure in modernist Australian architecture, designing many iconic buildings across Sydney that still turn heads today.
Watch the full video below.
LOOKING NATIONALLY 👀
💔 Breaking up again?
Nationals Leader David Littleproud has called the relationship between his party and its senior Coalition partner, the Liberals, “untenable”, and said the Coalition will not be getting back together while Sussan Ley remains Liberal leader.
What caused the rift?
The National Account’s Archie Milligan has the rundown 👇️
That’s all from me.
Got a story tip? An unsolved mystery? A notable local? Hit reply or reach out at [email protected].
And if you are able to support keeping local news free in our community, we would be grateful.
Cheers,
Huw
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