These are extracts from an email I’ve received from the Darling Downs Environment Council.

Australia’s biggest AI data centre is planned for Kogan, 37 km north-west of Dalby. At full size it could add around a quarter to Queensland’s daily electricity use. It’s moving fast, at a time when concern about AI safety is growing. The people who’ll live with it haven’t had a real say…

Western Downs Says Pause is a new community group in Dalby, and it’s holding two free forums. You can hear from researchers and local voices, ask your own questions and talk about what should happen next.

Dalby: Tuesday 27 October, 5.30pm, Russell Tavern, Dalby

Speakers:

  • Angie Mooney, St John’s Cathedral Brisbane
  • Associate Professor Michael Noetel, University of Queensland
  • Dr Shay Dougall, from Chinchilla, University of Sydney
  • Professor Masoud Kamgarpour, University of Queensland

Register: https://events.humanitix.com/data-centre-and-ai-risks-community-forum

Toowoomba: Wednesday 28 October, 5.30pm, LifeWorks Uniting Church, Glenvale (co-hosted with Lifeworks Uniting Church)

Speakers:

  • Reverend Adam Tipple, Lifeworks Uniting Church
  • Associate Professor Michael Noetel, University of Queensland
  • Dr Shay Dougall, from Chinchilla, University of Sydney
  • Professor Masoud Kamgarpour, University of Queensland

Register: https://events.humanitix.com/toowoomba-data-centre-and-ai-risks-community-forum

We’ll talk about:

  • Who pays for the power?
  • What happens to our water and land?
  • Who gets to switch it off?
  • What safety precautions do we need for AI?

Both forums are free. You don’t need to be an expert, and you don’t need to have made up your mind. Just bring your questions.

Please share this info and register for the forum nearest you, and bring a friend or neighbour.