Senator Tells Data Centre Developer to Drop Project Planned 20 Metres From Homes
An executive from AI data centre operator Goodman Group has been urged to drop the company’s proposed Sydney data centre project because of its proximity to nearby homes.
TL;DR
- Goodman Group's proposed data centre in Lane Cove, Sydney, is located approximately 20 metres from nearby homes and 160 metres from a public school.
- Senator Sarah Henderson urged Goodman's general manager to drop the project, citing its unacceptable proximity to residential areas.
- The Lane Cove development, Project Mars, is planned as a $1.2 billion, 90-megawatt facility with 49 diesel generators and significant diesel fuel storage.
- Goodman Group has not yet made a decision on the planning proposal, with a decision expected by the end of the year, and acknowledges a lack of 'social licence'.
- AirTrunk's Lane Cove facility is located 600 metres from the nearest residential boundary, with a further expansion underway.
- AirTrunk has invested over $10 billion in four data centre campuses in Sydney and Melbourne, with plans for five more, adding 1.2 gigawatts.
- Victoria has introduced a new policy requiring a 150-metre buffer between new data centres and homes, and banning them in residential zones.
- Concerns were raised about health risks from diesel exhaust, with AirTrunk acknowledging significant diesel storage but providing limited details on testing and filtration systems.