Julius Avenue Data Centre

This data centre is inconsistent with the Govt’s rezoning plans to create housing in North Ryde. Not only will it take up valuable space near the metro station, its scale will also eat away at the ecological habitat around the Lane Cove National Park. The vegetation to the south of the site must be left alone. Also, a data centre with all the diesel, lithium ion and high voltage components can increase risk of bushfire around national park. Surely this is not right!

I strongly object to the clearing of trees and bushland in this area because of the detrimental effect it will have on Lane Cove National Park. There is increasing evidence that the ecological health of National Parks reflects their surrounding environment. Also habitat stepping stones are vital for the survival of our declining wildlife. There is such little bushland left in the area that clearing this patch will have a significant impact on the habitat quality of the National Park and survivability of local biodiversity.

Not compatible with the residential suburbs and Lane Cove National Park. Noisy and will need to cut many trees down.

I would like to object to the removal of 509 trees, which are part of the important habitat corridor right next to the Park and the Great North Walk near Fairyland, as a result of the plan. The execution of this project will cause the loss of habitat for three threatened fauna species, namely Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri, Little Bent-winged Bat Miniopterus australis, Large Bent-winged Bat Miniopterus orianae oceanensis, and four threatened plant species, being Darwinia biflora, Deyeuxia appressa, Hibbertia spanantha and Rhizanthella slateri. Moreover, this plan will also put the area at risk of bushfire and heat island effects, which will negatively impact the residents' health, lifestyle, properties and safety.

A major data centre development is being proposed in North Ryde, near the Julius Avenue entrance to the Great North Walk. If approved, this project would lead to the removal of 509 trees and impact 1.2 hectares of Sydney Coastal Enriched Sandstone Forest—a critically endangered ecological community.
The site is also recognised as a habitat for three threatened animal species and four threatened plant species, all of which could be further endangered.
Even the development’s own Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) acknowledges the potential for serious and irreversible impacts on local biodiversity.
Beyond the environmental damage, data centres are known to produce constant mechanical noise from cooling systems and backup generators. This would disrupt the tranquillity of Lane Cove National Park, disturb native wildlife, and negatively affect bushwalkers and others who value the area’s peace and natural setting.
It’s also worth noting that the NSW Government rezoned the Macquarie Park and North Ryde area to improve housing and amenity. How is a data centre improving housing and amenity? According to the Macquarie Park Design Guide (available here: https://pp.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/.../macquarie-park...), the area affected by this proposal falls within a designated landscape setback—meant to retain and reinforce the green character with mature vegetation.
The current development proposal, which involves significant tree clearing in this setback, appears to directly contradict the NSW Government’s own planning and climate change policies.
There is also another data centre development announced recently to be built on Talavera Rd. Does there need to be 2 data centres built in such close proximity to each other? Urban heat island in North Ryde for sure!
Thank you for your consideration on this matter.
The site should be just left as it is and added to Lane Cove National Park instead.

In addition to my previous submission, I object to using potable mains water as the primary water source of the mechanical evaporative cooling system. This is concerning considering the high water demand of data centres. Has any consideration been given to using non-potable water?
The design of an energy back up system involving the installation of 73 back-up generators and 12 diesel storage tanks seems like a poor choice for an energy redundancy system for a grid-connected data centre. This is not in line with NSW strategic plans and policies that aim to achieve net zero emissions. Storage and redundancy systems can be achieved with non-fossil fuel solutions.

Tearing up bush land to build a data center is a stupid idea and I don’t want you to do it.

It's clear from the plans that a substantial amount of clearing away native vegetation is required. Given the significance of the endemic species it is not within the communities interest to remove ecological assets for the construction of a data center which does not seem Commensurate to the full scale of clearing required. Understandably ecological restoration is a better outcome for the space or a smaller building footprint, perhaps where invasive species are over grown.

To whom it may concern:
As a traditional custodian of Dharug Ngurra/Country, being the majority of the Sydney basin, and including Walumada, the area where the proposed Data Centre will be located, and as a citizen of NSW and resident within one of the 7 Councils that function as a neighbour to the Durumbura Dhurabang/Lane Cove River and National Park, I strongly object to the said construction.
Reasons for Objection:
1. Databases are renowned for consuming large quantities of energy to power and cool them, which can be supplied from the nearby water. As such it will have a harmful effect on the marine life of the river. (Whitehead, B., et. al., 2014)
2. It is well known that excessive vibrations and CO2 emissions have a negative impact on marine life. Databases have a vibrational and CO2 emission impact on their surrounds, which includes the marine life of the river, and as such will have a negative impact on the fish and other marine species of the river.
Ref: Salinas, Cristian et al, ‘Seagrass Losses since Mid‐20th Century Fuelled CO2 Emissions from Soil Carbon Stocks’ (2020) 26(9) Global change biology 4772
3. It is known that 509 trees will be cut down in order for the Data Centre to be constructed. As such this will have a seriously negative impact on the wildlife and habitat proximate to that section Lane Cove National Park (LCNP).
4. Destroying the trees and plant life in order to construct the Data Centre will have a negative impact on the soil condition in that area, proximate to the river.
5. Destroying the habitat and its removal will have a negative impact on the strength of the river bank, adding to increased siltation into the river, thus negatively impacting marine life in an estuarine area, e.g. oysters, mussels and various fish and eel species.
Ref: Zhang, Jinlai et al, ‘Dual Impacts of Urbanization and Precipitation on Subsidence in Chongqing Revealed by SBAS-InSAR’ (2025) 84(8) Environmental earth sciences
As stated by Whitehead, B., et. al., "Further approaches exist to assess more holistically the impact of data centres, such as building environmental assessment methods, but none have the capacity to capture fully the interlinked nature of a system, where improvements in one area and to one impact, can adversely affect a totally different area and totally different impacts."
Ref: Whitehead, Beth et al, ‘Assessing the Environmental Impact of Data Centres Part 1: Background, Energy Use and Metrics’ (2014) 82 Building and environment 151
The growing power demand of data centres has led to a heightened awareness of their increasing impact on climate change from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Comprehensive research into the impact of the whole ICT industry on climate change has been dominated by GeSI [5], [46], but has been strengthened by recent research by Malmodin et al. [47]. Cited in: Whitehead, B., et. al.(2014).
As it is widely acknowledged, First Nations people of this continent have been caring for Country for more than 65,000 years. As such caring for the river, the biodiversity, including marine life has only been under threat since colonisation - a mere 237 years.
Accordingly, based on the historic facts, the current impacts of human-induced climate change, and ongoing efforts by Indigenous and non-Indigenous community carers, it is essential that this proposal be denied in order for sustainable futures to be viable for generations to come. We have a saying in Dharug language:
We must:
Nayana, Ngarra, Wingaru
Breathe, Listen, Think
So that we can be:
Banga baranyiin baribugu
Paddling from yesterday to tomorrow
and:
Yanaladyi budyari gumadawa
Walking together in good spirit
didgurigura,
thank you.
Dharug Community Member.

This project will still have a significant affect on its neighbour, Lane Cove National Park, due to land clearance disrupting animal habitat and creating a visual impact for local residents.
The continued noise will impact the amenity of Park users.
The amount of power and water being used will impact existing antiquated infrastructure in an area already stretched with the development of residential towers.
This area has a disproprtionate number of these data centres.

I do NOT support the proposal for the Julius Avenue Data Centre.
I understand that, in its present form, this plan will result in the removal of 509 trees (Page 9 of EIS - Julius Avenue Data Centre 240625). These are part of the important habitat corridor right next to Lane Cove National Park and the Great North Walk near Fairyland. After bushfires in the Lane Cove River Valley in January 1994, a population of swamp wallabies survived by following this corridor and now populate bushland areas along the Lane Cove River at least as far as the Field of Mars Reserve. The removal of this many trees and understorey will remove important animal habitat.
Another issue is the impact on the local environment. I live in an area overlooking a data centre in Macquarie Park and its impact on local climate is often visible with clouds of steam rising from cooling vents on the building. This would be creating a localised heat island, and a data centre adjacent to natural bushland would therefore change the local natural environment, involving loss of habitat for threatened species.

I OBJECT to the planning proposal because of the potential tree and habitat loss for 14 species that are local to the Lane Cove National Park. As the site abuts the National Park, there is potential for corridor loss for these species which include Powerful Owl, Glossy Black Cockatoo which may use mature trees as nesting spaces. Other species of plants will also be impacted. I understand that the developer will replant trees elsewhere however this can not replicate the loss of existing trees.

Concerning the proposed Julius Ave Data Centre:
The site of this proposed development is important bushland. It is replete with mature trees which provide habitat for our struggling wildlife. I understand the project involves removing more than 500 large trees. The area is also a wildlife corridor - an important factor, as wildlife struggles when their communities are "islanded'.
Re-planting the forest after clearing an area is a poor replacement: the juvenile trees take a hundred years at least to form the hollows our creatures need to nest and shelter in. Planting or preserving a corresponding area of bush is never satisfactory, either because the planting is of seedling trees, or else officials claim to be preserving bush that already exists.
We must resist destruction of habitat such as that proposed for Julius Ave.

This submission objects strongly to the proposed construction and operation of a 170 megawatt data centre at 6–8 Julius Avenue, North Ryde.
The principal objections are:
Inappropriate scale and siting – A 170MW industrial facility, with a 50m built form and 72 diesel generators, is incompatible with its proximity to residential zones, Lane Cove National Park, and the Lane Cove River.
Unprecedented energy demand – The proposed load (170MW) represents a significant proportion of Sydney’s electricity grid. This raises questions of energy security, climate commitments, and the risks of load-shedding during outages.
Adverse visual and landscape impacts – The massive built form will dominate entry views into Macquarie Park from the M2 and Epping Road corridors, undermining decades of urban planning and landscape conservation.
Environmental degradation – The development will sever bushland connectivity, remove remnant vegetation, increase urban heat island effects, and threaten biodiversity corridors along the Lane Cove River.
Historical precedent of conflict – The Lane Cove Valley has a long history of contested infrastructure proposals, including the Lane Cove Valley Freeway, Mowbray Park disputes, and the destruction of “Fairyland” picnic grounds. These lessons underline the need to preserve the valley as a community and ecological asset rather than a site for large-scale industrialisation.
Alternative sites exist – Other locations within the Macquarie Park business precinct, away from sensitive environmental land and bushland interfaces, should be investigated.
If the proposal is to be advanced, significant amelioration measures must be required: provision of dedicated public access to Lane Cove National Park, upgraded tracks, bush regeneration programs, and design concessions to reduce visual and ecological impacts.
For the reasons set out in this submission, the development should not proceed in its proposed form.
1. Context and Description of the Proposal
The proponent seeks consent to construct a six-storey data centre with 12 data halls, ancillary offices, 115 car parks, and 72 x 3.2MW diesel generators, with a total electrical load of 170MW
Key features include:
Site area: 28,630 sqm
Building height: ~50m
Backup diesel storage: 840,000 litres (12 tanks x 70kL)
Adjoining land: Lane Cove National Park and Lane Cove River (100m east)
Surrounds: Commercial precinct of Macquarie Park, but within 300m of residential zones at Lane Cove North and North Ryde
This is not a modest commercial development but an industrial-scale facility with significant implications for the urban, environmental, and energy landscapes of Sydney.
2. Necessity of a 170MW Data Centre in a Residential/Environmental Zone
2.1 Questionable locational need
Data centres are essential to digital economies, but their site requirements are flexible: flat land, grid connectivity, and telecommunications access. There is no inherent necessity to place such an energy-hungry, diesel-reliant facility within a sensitive bushland interface.
The proponent has not provided any transparent justification as to why this particular site, adjacent to Lane Cove National Park and residential communities, is preferable over less constrained alternatives.
2.2 Urban planning principles ignored
Good planning practice dictates that heavy utility and energy-intensive infrastructure should be sited away from environmental assets and residential zones, ideally within industrial precincts designed to support such uses.
By contrast, this site:
Directly adjoins Lane Cove National Park.
Is within sight lines of major public entry corridors (M2, Epping Road).
Abuts areas of high biodiversity and cultural history.
This makes it one of the least suitable sites for a data centre of this scale.
3. Historical Precedents of Environmental Conflict in the Lane Cove Valley
The Lane Cove Valley has long been the site of contested battles between infrastructure development and environmental protection.
3.1 Lane Cove Valley Freeway
For decades, proposals for a Lane Cove Valley Freeway threatened to carve through bushland. Studies from the 1980s note how the “freeway reservation” posed existential risks to the valley’s continuity and ecological health
. Community opposition and conservation advocacy ultimately preserved large tracts of bushland from freeway alienation.
3.2 Mowbray Park Sports Fields
Mowbray Park, once a natural bushland area, was alienated for sports fields despite conservationist opposition. The narrowing of the valley corridor and loss of native vegetation were seen as short-sighted decisions
3.3 Fairyland
The site known as “Fairyland,” once a beloved picnic ground, was lost due to development pressures and bushland clearance. Historical accounts stress the irretrievable loss of cultural and ecological heritage
These examples demonstrate a pattern: once natural or cultural assets in the Lane Cove Valley are alienated, they are lost forever. The Julius Avenue proposal risks repeating these mistakes.
4. Visual Amenity and Landscape Impacts
4.1 Gateway to Macquarie Park
The proposal site sits at a critical visual threshold: the entry from the M2 motorway and Epping Road into Macquarie Park.
The proposed 50m-high structure, with bulk massing and industrial rooftop plant, will:
Dominate the skyline.
Sever views towards Lane Cove National Park.
Replace a transitional bushland edge with a looming industrial wall.
4.2 Conflict with conservation designations
The Lane Cove foreshores are recognised as part of a National Trust Landscape Conservation Area and classified by the Maritime Services Board as “lands in a natural state where no development will be permitted”
A six-storey data centre directly abutting this landscape will create an irreconcilable visual clash between protected natural values and industrial form.
5. Energy Demand and NSW Power Supply
5.1 Proportion of Sydney’s electricity needs
Sydney’s total electricity demand typically ranges around 8–9 GW at peak. A single facility requiring 170 MW therefore represents nearly 2% of metropolitan peak demand.
This is an extraordinary share for one user, raising questions of grid prioritisation, load management, and community benefit.
5.2 Risk of outages
The proponent proposes 72 diesel backup generators
However, reliance on diesel generation in a bushfire-prone, urban-adjacent zone is problematic:
Air quality impacts of diesel particulates.
Noise impacts during testing and operation.
Energy security risks if load-shedding is required – will the centre be shut off to protect residential supply during peak or emergency events?
Without transparent agreements with Ausgrid and AEMO, the proposal risks becoming an energy liability for NSW.
5.3 Climate commitments
At a time when NSW is working towards net zero targets, approving a diesel-backed, 170MW data centre represents a regressive planning decision. The project risks locking in decades of high-carbon infrastructure.
6. Alternative Locations
If Sydney requires additional data centre capacity, alternative sites must be considered:
Industrial lands further west (e.g. Eastern Creek, Erskine Park), where grid capacity is higher and environmental sensitivity lower.
Less visually prominent Macquarie Park parcels, set back from the Lane Cove River and National Park.
Co-location with existing high-energy infrastructure (e.g. Sydney West substation precincts).
There is no demonstrable need for a 170MW facility at Julius Avenue, particularly when alternative locations could provide equivalent service without the environmental and community cost.
7. Amelioration Considerations if Approved
If, despite these objections, the Department is minded to approve the proposal, substantial amelioration measures must be imposed:
Public access to Lane Cove National Park
A dedicated, landscaped public walkway connecting Julius Avenue into the Great North Walk.
Upgraded signage and entry infrastructure.
Track upgrades and bush regeneration
Funding for track maintenance, weed control, and bush regeneration programs in adjacent parklands.
Visual impact mitigation
Building envelope reduction.
Screening vegetation buffers with local native species.
Setbacks increased to preserve skyline continuity.
Sustainable energy conditions
Mandatory renewable energy procurement.
Limiting diesel generator use.
Onsite solar and battery storage contributions.
Community offset funding
Investment in local recreation facilities to offset the loss of amenity.
8. Conclusion
The Julius Avenue Data Centre proposal is fundamentally at odds with the environmental, social, and planning values of the Lane Cove Valley.
Its approval would:
Set a dangerous precedent of industrial encroachment into natural landscapes.
Impose a disproportionate energy burden on NSW’s grid.
Permanently scar the visual and cultural amenity of Macquarie Park’s entrance.
The NSW Department of Planning must weigh the true necessity of this development against its irreversible costs.
The conclusion is clear: this proposal should not proceed.
Should the Department nevertheless advance the project, strict amelioration and offset conditions must be imposed to safeguard the Lane Cove Valley for future generations.

To Whom It May Concern,

Re: Opposition to Proposed Data Centre Development Adjacent to Lane Cove National Park and the Lane Cove River

I am writing to formally express my strong opposition to the proposed construction of a data centre adjacent to the Lane Cove National Park and the Lane Cove River. I am a 4th generation resident of Hunters hill and grew up sailing, kayaking and exploring the river by boat as my children do today. Growing up this river hosted a paint factory and was severely polluted, today it is clean and wildlife is flourishing, the rocks are again covered in oysters, there are abundant fish and birds. I do not take this for granted and we MUST protect this waterway and the park land that surrounds it for future generations.

Lane Cove National Park is a vital ecological, recreational, and cultural asset to the Sydney community and beyond. It supports a rich diversity of native flora and fauna, provides crucial green space in an increasingly urbanised area, and plays a key role in improving air and water quality for the region.

The construction and operation of a data centre in such close proximity to this sensitive environment raises serious environmental concerns, including:

Water Pollution Risks: Data centres typically require significant cooling infrastructure, often using water-based systems. Any discharge of heated water or accidental chemical runoff poses a real threat to the health of the Lane Cove River and its aquatic ecosystems.

Habitat Disruption: Construction and operation will bring light pollution, noise, vibration, and increased traffic — all of which will disturb local wildlife and may result in long-term biodiversity loss in and around the park.

Air and Noise Pollution: Backup diesel generators, increased vehicle movement, and other industrial operations may degrade air quality and introduce noise into an area valued for its peace and natural quiet.

Visual and Cultural Impact: The presence of a large, industrial facility so close to a national park compromises the natural character and visual integrity of the area, which holds cultural and recreational importance for Indigenous communities, local residents, and visitors alike.

Climate and Sustainability Concerns: Approving energy-intensive infrastructure in a sensitive area sends the wrong message in a time when we should be prioritising sustainable development, emissions reductions, and environmental stewardship.

While I acknowledge the need for digital infrastructure, such facilities must be located in appropriate, low-impact industrial zones, not adjacent to ecologically and culturally significant protected areas.

I urge the planning authorities to reject this proposal in the interests of long-term environmental protection, responsible urban planning, and the preservation of Lane Cove National Park for future generations.

Thank you for considering this submission.

Yours sincerely, J.R.

Sir/Madam,

I hereby put forward my following objections to this project.

1. Loss of our bush heritage

The proposed Julius Ave project will see the destruction of 500 trees in this 2-3 hectare parcel of bushland in the heart of Sydney that needs to be preserved, particularly along the Lane Cove River coridor. It is not feasible to cut down 500 trees in a pristine enviornment as is proposed. The planned planting of this number of trees or more in another location still means the destruction of a natural setting and biodiversity. This destruction of natural habitat so close to a river system and National Park is simply not appropriate.

Why cannot such a large facility be developed on vacant or previously cleared land, away from Lane Cove River precinct? The real cost is to our natural environment - a reduction of more bushland biodiversity and corridors for native fauna to roam freely. Surely, there are vast numbers of areas in Sydney that could accommodate such a development. Has the developer demonstrated that no other location could be used? This should be a definite part of the decision-making process.

2. Energy Storage/Redundancy

The design of an energy back up system involving the installation of 73 back-up generators and 12 x diesel storage tanks (+ 72-day tanks) seems like a terrible choice for an energy redundancy system for a grid-connected data centre.  On site storage of 1.2 million litres of diesel seems obscenely large. As data centres get bigger, their demand on grid-derived electricity increases. However, it is also the redundancy (back up) infrastructure that also grows enormously.  Why cannot developments be required (as part of their development applications) to include greener storage systems for capacity this large?

Such solutions for energy storage are put forward and well documented as real solutions.  An example is work researched and documented by the Climate Council of Australia.  The latter is one of many progressive organisations that put forward possible solutions in line with Australia's push for a net zero future, with less reliance on fossil fuels.  All government departments (local, state and federal) must surely take this later point into account. Serious attention should be placed on alternatives to diesel generators and storage of over a million litres of diesel on-site.  The Climate Council put forward the case for large storage solutions as part of their recent  (2025) report entitled "BATTERY BOOM: SUPERCHARGING AUSTRALIA’S RENEWABLE ROLLOUT". I attach this document FYI.

I read in the development application that alternative redundancy systems were considered.  How seriously were they looked at? If diesel generators were simply the option with best ROI and economic credentials, that should note be the sole consideration. Australia's commitment to a clean energy transition with set targets requires less reliance on fossil fuels, one project at a time.  Other, greener energy storage and redundancy options MUST be considered more seriously, for instance 12hr Flow Batteries.

3. User of Water

It is well known that Data Centres require a huge, on-going use of water for the cooling of IT equipment. I read that Sydney Water will supply potable water for this cooling process. There does not appear to be any estimations of how much water will be used. Why has this not been reported on (it is obviously a huge amount of water)? Is there no other cooling methodology possible for such a facility? This is an oversight to not report on this and it must be addressed.

I trust my submission will be read and the objections and alternatives seriously considered.  I would appreciate a formal response in due course.

Yours Faithfully,
Eric Allas

Re: Objection to SSD-80018208 / Julius Avenue Data Centre development, North Ryde
From: Willoughby Environmental Protection Association
Date: 27 August 2025
As a local community group dedicated to the care and protection of Sydney’s unique urban bushland and wildlife, The Willoughby Environmental Protection Association (WEPA) emphatically objects to the proposed construction of a data centre and new road through the bushland site in Julius Avenue, North Ryde. The site sits within Lane Cove National Park, an area mapped as a Threatened Ecological Community, Coastal Enriched Sandstone Moist Forest, and as such must be preserved and protected.
We are greatly concerned that the project involves the removal of 509 mature habitat trees, and the potential damage to surrounding bushland and the Lane Cover River through the excavation and construction process. We also have concerns about the impact of ongoing data centre operations on native species living and moving through this critical wildlife corridor.
We urge the NSW Government to consider the extensive environmental harm that will result from this project and recommend relocation, distancing the data centre from sensitive native bushland.
WEPA strongly objects to the Julius Avenue Data Centre proposal based on –

1. Inadequate assessment by the developer
A demonstration of avoidance of negative biodiversity impacts is the fundamental first step in the project approval process, under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Before considering offsets, developers must demonstrate that they have taken all reasonable steps to avoid harm to biodiversity values and identify conservation measures. The Biodiversity Development Assessment Report (BDAR) provided by SLR Consulting does not indicate any attempt by the developer to avoid impacts to native vegetation and threatened species.

2. Impact of build on tree canopy & biodiversity
The proposed removal of 509 mature trees from a Threatened Ecological Community is unacceptable. It would result in a significant loss of habitat for protected native species already struggling to survive in a hostile urban environment. The considerable narrowing of an important wildlife corridor along the river foreshore presents a real threat to wildlife safety. The high number of tree removals also adds to the broader environmental burden by increasing the urban heat load, impacting human health and wildlife health and safety.

Acknowledging the benefits of a healthy canopy, the NSW Government has committed to increase Greater Sydney’s tree canopy to 40% by 2036. State Government mapping by ArborCarbon in 2022 indicates that we are barely halfway to this target – measuring tree canopy across Greater Sydney at just 21.7%. Sydney’s Northern regions experienced the greatest loss of coverage according to this scientific study. The Ryde LGA lost almost 8% compared to 2019, Lane Cove -6% and Willoughby -5%. Apart from the critical role tree cover provides for wildlife and biodiversity, there are also numerous human health benefits delivered through cooler temperatures and clean air. It is imperative that established, high-value urban tree cover is protected.
We are particularly concerned about the reduction of the vital foreshore habitat corridor and the loss of many established tree hollows. These are vital for nesting and species survival and take many decades to form. The Lane Cove National Park is home to at least 14 threatened or vulnerable species, which will be put at greater risk by tree removals and building activity.
Another major concern is the loss of significant rocky outcrop and cave formations. These are known to provide critical habitat for three threatened species of microbats, including -
• Large-eared Pied Bat – listed as Endangered in NSW
• Large Bent-wing Bat – listed as Vulnerable in NSW
• Little Bent-winged Bat – listed as Vulnerable in NSW
The biodiversity offset system, or species credits payment to permit adverse impacts to sensitive ecological areas and threatened species, is problematic for many reasons, including the fact that recent inquiries found these to be facilitating a state of decline for NSW biodiversity and a net loss to nature. The 2024 State of the Environment NSW report highlighted these failures, with an additional 18 species added to the threatened species list since December 2020, and a prediction that only half of those listed are likely to survive the next century. In November last year the NSW parliament made a commitment to deliver a net positive for nature. In this particular instance, the threatened bat species depend upon unique types of habitat - caves and rocky outcrops that cannot be replaced by planting trees elsewhere. The NSW Government must adhere to their commitment and ensure the protection of these species by safeguarding habitat critical to their survival.

3. Operational impacts
Beyond the building process, which presents a high pollution risk to surrounding bushland, streams and the Lane Cove River, consideration must be given to the fact that data centre operations create ongoing forms of pollution. The 24/7 operation will generate light and noise pollution, and heat from high-powered computing machines. Locating a data centre in close proximity to sensitive wildlife habitat should not occur for numerous ecological reasons, including -
• The Urban heat island effect will be intensified. Ongoing data centre operations will add to the increased heat caused by the canopy reduction. Recognised expert in urban heat Professor Sebastian Pfautsch recently conducted a heat study across the Willoughby LGA, including the site of one of Sydney’s most significant tree vandalism events at HD Robb Reserve in Castle Cove, where 260 trees were killed in bushland reserve in 2023. Pfautsch warned of the detrimental ripple effects of temperature shifts on surrounding bushland, impacting insect life and biodiversity due to hotter days and cooler nights in the affected area. The additional heat generated by data centre operations will exacerbate the risk to wildlife, and human health.
• Harmful artificial light generated by the 24/7 operation will have a negative impact on wildlife. Unnatural light spilling into the surrounding bushland will be detrimental to native wildlife. Natural habitats become unsuitable, and species exhibit numerous physiological and behavioural changes, impacting feeding, breeding, immunity, flowering, and spawning. Night light is beneficial to invasive predators like foxes and cats and, when combined with a diminished foreshore corridor and connectivity, will further increase the risk to wildlife. These effects can threaten biodiversity and reverberate through ecosystems. In addition to excessive light, wildlife will be disturbed by noise pollution created by generators, coolers, server halls and other operational aspects of the 24/7 facility.
• Wildlife risk of injury and death through car movements and diminished habitat corridor. This 24/7 facility, which includes parking for 115 cars, raises concerns over the impact of increased car movements in a wildlife-rich zone. It is likely to result in wildlife strikes, injuries, and fatalities. Swamp wallaby, short-beaked echidna, long-nosed bandicoot, lace monitor lizards and python are among the protected species that reside within LCNP and will be vulnerable to cars. This threat is increased by a reduction in the protective corridor available to wildlife.

4. Negative impact on the amenity and experience of recreational users of Sydney’s iconic Great North Walking Track
This facility will be encroaching on one of Sydney’s most popular shared public recreation spaces. As Sydney’s population grows and high-density housing increases, it is critical that the State Government preserves existing outdoor recreation spaces in Sydney, particularly those that provide an opportunity to connect with nature. The Great North Walking Track is a prized public asset, affording invaluable physical and emotional wellbeing benefits to residents and visitors.
The proposal from ISPT to place a data centre adjacent to Lane Cove National Park, an extremely valuable community and biodiversity asset, is highly flawed. WEPA urges the NSW Government to reconsider the location of this project and find an alternative that results in less harm to the natural environment. At the very least a redesign should be required to preserve and protect the majority of the unique and vulnerable habitat on this site.

The Ryde – Hunters Hill Flora and Fauna Preservation Society is a local environment group established 59 years ago. The aims and objectives of the Society include-
· Respect for the land and its flora and fauna and original custodians:
· The promotion of ecologically sustainable land use and development at the local, state, national and international levels.
· Advocating measures at the local, state, national and international level necessary to safeguard the environment from all forms of pollution to ensure, clean air, clean water and a healthy environment and to address climate change.
Our Society does NOT support the proposed data centre development in its present form.
The planning document reveals that the development will result in the removal of 509 trees (Page 9 of EIS - Julius Avenue Data Centre 240625). These are part of the important habitat corridor right next to Lane Cove National Park and the Great North Walk near Fairyland.
It is the habitat for several threatened species, namely the Large-eared Pied Bat Chalinolobus dwyeri, Little Bent-winged Bat Miniopterus australis and Large Bent-winged Bat Miniopterus orianae oceanensis, and four threatened plant species, being Darwinia biflora, Deyeuxia appressa, Hibbertia spanantha and Rhizanthella slateri.
The documents for the development state that the loss of these will be subject to the biodiversity offsets scheme. The proposed development is another example of incremental deterioration of biodiversity which has been criticised by the Samuels report on the review of the Environmental Protection & Biodiversity Conservation Act and biodiversity offsets have not worked in maintaining biodiversity.
The natural area became valuable after bushfires in the Lane Cove River Valley in January 1994, when a population of swamp wallabies survived by following this corridor and now populate bushland areas along the Lane Cove River at least as far as the Field of Mars Reserve. Removal of the number of trees and their understorey as proposed in the plan will effectively remove important animal habitat.
Another issue is the impact on the local environment. Not adequately considered in the proposal is that the data centre will impact local climate and resources, as cooling water is used and released to the atmosphere, thus creating a localised heat island with raised humidity. It will therefore change the local natural environment and so lose the current nature of the natural area.
The documents supporting the development proposal do not explain in detail how these impacts will be mitigated and provide only general statements to the effect that efforts will be made about the environmental impacts.
The development is also contrary to the City of Ryde Council’s recently revised Urban Forest Strategy which states, “… the urban forest’s trees and other vegetation provide a multitude of social, cultural, economic, and environmental benefits, including improved health (from shade, improved air quality and urban heat mitigation), enhanced landscape amenity and property values, protection of biodiversity and heritage values and improved well‐being… Tree removals - whether on private or public land ‐ reduce the tree canopy and the benefits of the urban forest. This is so even if removed trees are replaced due to the length of time to maturity and benefits derived from replacement trees… In the development application context, Council’s approach is to foster an ethos that views trees as development assets and opportunities with significant retention values…”

Subject: Submission Opposing Julius Avenue Data Centre (SSD‑80018208) — City of Ryde

Executive Summary:
The proposed six‑storey, 170 MW Julius Avenue Data Centre in the City of Ryde would clear a critical riparian bushland buffer between the Parramatta River and Lane Cove National Park, directly undermining NSW’s 40 % urban canopy target, liveable cities agenda, and biodiversity protections. The site is also mapped as bushfire‑prone land, introducing unacceptable safety, operational, and infrastructure risks for a facility of this scale. This high‑load industrial use is better suited to existing infrastructure‑ready industrial precincts such as Eastern Creek, Silverwater, or the Aerotropolis tech hubs — or to regional NSW locations with direct access to abundant, low‑cost renewable energy in designated Renewable Energy Zones (REZs). Fibre connectivity means data centres can be constructed elsewhere outside the metropolitan area. Approving this project here would set a damaging precedent, especially given the pipeline of multiple large‑scale data centre proposals in the Ryde–Macquarie Park corridor, compounding biodiversity loss, urban heat, and infrastructure strain. It does nothing to deliver more residential housing or significant jobs.

Introduction

I write to formally object to the Julius Avenue Data Centre proposal (SSD‑80018208) currently on public exhibition via the NSW Planning Portal. The project involves the construction and 24/7 operation of a six‑storey facility with 12 data halls, diesel storage, back‑up generators, a sub‑transmission switching station, and a new access road — with a projected power demand of up to 170 MW.

The proposed site is an ecologically significant bushland buffer between the Parramatta River and Lane Cove National Park. This corridor provides essential biodiversity connectivity, riparian protection, and natural urban cooling — all of which would be irreversibly compromised. It is also designated bushfire‑prone land, meaning the development would be subject to elevated ignition risk, ember attack, and evacuation constraints, particularly given the presence of large diesel fuel stores and critical electrical infrastructure.

1. Conflict with NSW Environmental, Safety, and Urban Liveability Policies
- Tree Canopy Coverage Target: The NSW Government’s Greener Neighbourhoods program and Premier’s Priorities set a 40 % urban tree canopy target for metropolitan areas to reduce heat and improve liveability. Clearing mature canopy in this location will directly reduce coverage in the City of Ryde LGA, undermining progress toward this legislated goal.
- Liveable Cities Agenda: The Greater Sydney Region Plan and North District Plan emphasise the retention and expansion of green infrastructure, biodiversity corridors, and riparian buffers.
- Bushfire Planning Principles: NSW bushfire policy discourages siting critical infrastructure in bushfire‑prone areas where evacuation, asset protection zones, and firefighting access are constrained. The combination of high‑voltage equipment, backup diesel generation, and bushland interface presents unacceptable operational and safety risks.
- Biodiversity Conservation: The proposal bisects a continuous ecological corridor linking Lane Cove National Park to the Parramatta River, contradicting commitments under the State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity and Conservation).

2. Unsuitable Infrastructure Footprint in a Sensitive, Hazard‑Exposed Area
- Electricity Demand: A facility of 170 MW represents one of the largest single‑site loads in the state, equivalent to powering 50,000+ homes. Locating such demand in bushland increases the need for new transmission, grid losses, and bushfire risk to supply lines.
- Carbon Emissions: Power Purchase Agreements may address Net Zero, but they do not address requirements to meet Real Zero, where power usage and generation need to be aligned in time and quantity, or mediated with energy storage.
- Cooling Water Requirements: Significant volumes of cooling water — or energy‑intensive alternatives — would be required, with risk of ecological harm in a riparian zone.
- Fibre Communications Infrastructure: It is unclear whether the site has dense, redundant fibre backhaul, and if not, may requiring disruptive trenching through sensitive areas.

3. Cumulative Impact of the Data Centre Pipeline
The Julius Avenue proposal is part of a wider, uncoordinated surge in data centre development in the Ryde–Macquarie Park corridor. According to the proponent’s EIS (Table 5, Section 2.4), there are five data centre other projects being considered.

Existing data centres in and near to the corridor include:
- Macquarie Park: Digital Reality, SYD12, 80MW
- Macquarie Park: NextDC S1, 16MW
- Macquarie Park: NextDC S2, 30MW
- Macquare Park: Macquarie IC2+IC3 East+IC3 Super West, 63MW
- Macquare Park: AtosGroup
- Artarmon: NextDC S3, 80MW
- Artarmon: NextDC S6, 13.5MW
- St Leonards: InteractiveDC,
- Lane Cove West: Airtrunk SYD2, 120MW

Demand is being generated by AI, and existing facilities will need to be upgraded to support the requirements for liquid cooling, with the limiting factor being heat exchanges on the roof. Aside from generating more urban heat, if upgrades to existing data centres are undertaken, then this will also result in higher IT densities and reduced floor space for the processing power, which can be used to accommodate any additional requirements. These factors need to be considered within a broader strategy.

Recent reporting in the AFR on May 28 indicated that the NSW State Government was considering a ban on Macquarie Park as a zone for data centres: ‘No data centre strategy’: Industry slams NSW’s Macquarie Park ban https://www.commercialrealestate.com.au/news/no-data-centre-strategy-industry-slams-nsws-macquarie-park-ban-2-1384780/

As noted in the AFR on May 28, AEMO warned it lacks visibility over the energy use of data centres and requires powers to help avoid cascading failures throughout the system like one that occurred in the United States earlier last year.

Without strategic planning, this concentration will:
- Intensify the urban heat island effect
- Compound grid, water, and emergency services strain
- Erode biodiversity and riparian buffers
- Increase cumulative bushfire exposure for critical infrastructure
- Permanently alter the liveability and amenity of surrounding communities
- Do nothing to increase housing supply, in fact place additional demand on stretched resources

Various urban cities have placed bans on data centres in metropolitan areas, including Hume City (Melbourne, Australia), Amsterdam & Haarlemmermeer (Netherlands), Dublin (Ireland), Singapore.

4. Availability of Alternative, More Appropriate Locations — Including Regional NSW Renewable Hubs
Sydney Metro Infrastructure‑Ready Sites
- Eastern Creek, Silverwater, Alexandria
- Western Sydney Aerotropolis technology precincts
Regional NSW Renewable‑Powered Options
- Central‑West Orana REZ (e.g., Dubbo region) — large‑scale solar and wind, new transmission links
- New England REZ (Tamworth / Armidale) — wind, solar, cool climate for efficient PUE
- South‑West REZ (Wagga Wagga region) — industrial land near renewable generation
- North Coast Corridor (Port Macquarie / Coffs Harbour) — access to REZ, NBN fibre, coastal cooling advantages
- Lithgow / Central Tablelands — existing substation capacity, transitioning from fossil to renewable supply

Advantages of regional siting include:
- Direct access to low‑cost, high‑volume renewable power
- No urban canopy loss and reduced heat island effect
- Avoidance of biodiversity corridors and riparian buffers
- Leveraging planned REZ transmission upgrades rather than duplicating infrastructure in sensitive areas
- Supporting regional economic development, consistent with NSW’s Regional Development Framework

5. Cumulative Urban Heat, Amenity, and Hazard Impacts
Replacing high‑canopy bushland with a large‑scale industrial structure will intensify heat loads in a city already struggling with rising summer temperatures, counteracting state heat‑mitigation strategies. The bushfire‑prone status of the site compounds these impacts by increasing hazard exposure for both the facility and surrounding communities.

In light of the above, I urge the NSW Government to:
- Reject the Julius Avenue Data Centre proposal in its current location.
- Direct the proponent to investigate infrastructure‑ready industrial precincts and regional renewable‑powered sites.
- Establish a coordinated planning framework for the cumulative data centre pipeline in the Ryde–Macquarie Park-Artarmon corridor.
- Strengthen statutory protection of riparian, bushfire‑prone, and national park buffer zones against incompatible industrial use.

Preserving this corridor is consistent with NSW’s environmental commitments, liveable cities principles, and the state’s ambition to lead in sustainable digital infrastructure. Approving the Julius Avenue Data Centre in this location would set a precedent at odds with all three.

Access to data centres via fibre in sites outside the metropolitan area with cheaper power and property should be more cost effective than in built up metropolitan areas. The superannuation funds could make the additional investments in required infrastructure. This may even provide opportunities for new industry to grow as well. Utilities stinging retail consumers to pay for investment in data centres is unacceptable.

I welcome the opportunity to engage further or contribute to policy discussions on sustainable data centre siting.

Yours sincerely,
Nick.

Hello,

I would like to object to the Julius Avenue Centre proposal.

I volunteer for Bushcare at Lane Cove National Park most weeks to help conserve the beautiful environment that we are lucky to have in Australia, building a data centre would cause unwanted pollution and effect the environment people should be protecting as much as possible, not harming.

I strongly urge this project be reconsidered so future generations can continue protecting and experiencing the bush and biodiversity of nature in this area that hopefully will survive for a long time to come.