NextDC tells investors plans to double the size of its west Melbourne datacentre have hit obstacle after community objects to 22 metres-high power poles

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Australia’s largest datacentre operator has been forced to delay the controversial expansion of its M3 site in Melbourne’s west amid a pause in construction of new 22m power poles following community protest.

On Wednesday, NextDC told the Australian Stock Exchange that delays to electricity provider Jemena’s upgrade of the power poles – essential to delivering the increased electricity required by the expanded West Footscray site – would mean the expansion would be pushed back to the 2027/2028 financial year.

After being contacted by officers, politician says, he has paid bill and is ‘grateful for the team at the servo for their understanding’

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On Tuesday night, Ben Carroll received a phone call: police were looking for him.

The Victorian premier had met with the state’s police commissioner earlier that morning – so he wasn’t exactly hard to find.

Premier Ben Carroll says two-year limited cap will start on 1 January if re-elected, while Greens say there should be no fares

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Public transport fares in Victoria will be capped at $30 a week if the Labor government is re-elected next month – but commuters will need to dust off their Myki cards to benefit.

The premier, Ben Carroll, on Monday said the fare cap would begin on 1 January, the day after half-price fares end. The discounted fares were introduced after a period of free public transport in response to the fuel crisis sparked by the US-Iran war.