⏱️This edition of the National Account’s newsletter is a five-minute read.
👋 G’day everyone, Archie here.
In today's newsletter, we're looking at the body found on Somerton Beach in Adelaide in 1948, and the lengths one person went to discover the man’s identity.
Then, the latest proposed restrictions on how much water data centres can use, and from where they can source it. Most of the country's water ministers have agreed they’re a good idea.
Two haven't: Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Let's dive into it 💧
Carl “Charles” Webb
🗣️ Why did he say that?
In 1948, a man washed up on a beach in Adelaide. No tags on his clothes, no possessions, no identity.
For 75 years, nobody knew who he was.
The Somerton Man case was one of Australia's greatest mysteries. Today we take a look at what happened and the guy who believes he cracked the case.
For my full rundown check out today’s video:
Queensland says no (again) 💧
The Sunshine State and the Northern Territory have again disagreed with all other Australian jurisdictions on restrictions for data centres, this time over water use. But while there is hope the NT will get on board, the same can’t be said for Queensland.
💧 Thirsty? Some data centres proposed for Sydney and Melbourne plan to use up to 40 million litres of water a day, enough to supply around 80,000 homes.
📋 The new rules: Australia's water ministers have agreed to a national set of minimum rules for how much water data centres can use.
The standards, agreed to on Friday, would require data centre operators to:
Minimise water use.
Install efficient cooling systems.
Prioritise recycled and non-drinking water.
Transparently report their usage.
Pay their share of water infrastructure costs so bills for everyone else don't rise.
🚫 Who said no: Queensland was the only state or territory to reject the standards outright.
The Northern Territory didn't sign on either, but says it's still working with the Commonwealth and expects to reach an agreement.
Federal Environment and Water Minister Murray Watt told the ABC a lot of Queenslanders would be concerned about the state government’s opposition:
🗣️ "I think that's a really big mistake for Queenslanders, and I think it's a big mistake for the country as a whole.”
⚡ Not the first time: Queensland and the Northern Territory were also holdouts at a separate national meeting of energy ministers in late July, refusing to agree that data centres should build the renewable energy they use.
🔮 What's next: A National Cabinet meeting to deal with AI and data centre issues later this month could test the boundaries of state and federal rights over water.
The Federal Government wants the new rules for data centres made law in 2027.
Watch my rundown below:
I hope you enjoyed this newsletter, and I'd love to hear your thoughts.
If you've got story tips or suggestions for Australian history events I could cover, get in touch.
The easiest way to do that is by replying to this email. Your replies land in my inbox. 📝
I’ll be back on Friday.
Cheers, Archie