Julius Avenue Data Centre

I have never written a submission - Unfortunately I have very limited time to write this due to only finding out about this proposal recently and the submissions closing in 15 minutes. As a bush regenerator I must take action as I am extremely saddened to hear about this proposal to build a data centre over beautiful remnant bushland.

Remnant bushland is becoming more and more scarce with the never ending rise of urbanisation. Fragmentation is a huge issue because of this and this is a very important green corridor for our native wildlife, especially in terms of connectivity to Lane Cove National Park. I have worked extremely closeby at the Fairyland Track and it would be devastating to see the land you propose to build on destroyed and our wildlife unable to access it. Many species risk being lost to the area, which also affect the flora too. Natural bushland is such an important aspect of our ecosystem that cannot be overlooked and will affect many other ecosystems negatively. You cannot replicate this by planting trees elsewhere in order to attempt to make up for building over it and it is simply greenwashing. Trees are a refuge and habitat for our native wildlife and hollows within them take many years to develop. Wildlife are particular in terms of their habitat and need hollows of many different sizes in order to remain in an area. It is so important to also preserve the flora of the bushland as not only does it provide food and shelter for animals, but we have such a unique and beautiful diversity of native plants here. The geology is also just as important as the soils take centuries to develop. Ruining and modifying the soil profile will also have devastating results. Please reconsider these actions.

I know this Area well and for years every time I cross the river on Epping Rd I habitually gain enormous psychological pleasure from the Natural Bush clad landscape that is such a significantat feature of the LaneCove River on both sides. Bushland ecosystems for wildlife wihin the urban Area is in a critical state. It valued by people but not by the NSW Government. it is irreplaceable.

Absolute dystopian dismal proposal. Hundreds of trees to be cut down even under a reviewed plan. Mature protected trees and wildlife. No one in the community wants this. Please protect our environment and our future. It’s our responsibility.

I strongly oppose this development. Not only will this rob the area of it's native history and trees, depleting more of Sydney's green spaces, it is yet another drain on water resources and bowing to technology providers rather than what people actually need – affordable housing, affordable cost of living, access to green and third spaces and a healthy environment.

SAVE THE BUSHLANDS! NO TO DATA CENTRES!! We must not allow big companies and to further destroy our environment!

The reduction of capacity and change of cooling systems, and associated height reductions and reducing bushland impacts are major improvements. However being adjacent to the Lane Cove National Park I am very concerned about the large diesel storage provided. While I understand that the actual ~75KL double walled bulk storage tanks (and generator day tanks) may be inherently safe, I cannot see anywhere how the filling of the 12 x 75kL bulk tanks is addressed. Following a major electrical outage, lets assume that most of the 950KL storage is depleted requiring say ~50 x 18-20kL fuel tankers...clearly there needs to be provision of unloading bay to capture potential fuel spills in this process. and also clearly there needs to be a swept path analysis showing and how any queueing of fuel tankers would be managed both internally to the site as well as the immediate access roads. Maybe I am blind, but DD3,8,16, 20,23 25 and 34 amongst others do not appear to address?

I support the project

I strongly object to this proposal. The revised documents still ignore the significant ecological impact of removing mature trees and disrupting a key wildlife corridor adjoining Lane Cove National Park. The BDAR downplays habitat value despite clear evidence of fauna movement, hollow‑bearing trees and canopy‑dependent species. Landscaping is not an offset. This development will permanently fragment habitat, increase light and noise disturbance, and accelerate canopy loss in an already over‑developed precinct. The assessment fails to meet the required standard for biodiversity protection and should not be approved.

Community Objection to SSD-80018208

9 March 2026

The Secretary
NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure
Goulburn Street
Sydney NSW 2000

RE: Formal Objection — State Significant Development Application SSD-80018208

I write as a concerned resident of North Ryde to formally object to the Amendment Report lodged by ISPT Pty Ltd (via Willowtree Planning) for the construction and operation of a data centre at 6–8 Julius Avenue, North Ryde (SSD-80018208). While this amendment presents itself as a scaled-back and improved proposal, it remains fundamentally incompatible with the residential and ecological character of this area. I urge the Department to refuse this application.

1. Destruction of Irreplaceable Native Bushland and Wildlife Habitat

The proposed development will require the removal of 334 trees — a figure the applicant attempts to minimise by noting it represents an improvement on the original 509-tree clearing. This framing is deeply misleading. The clearing of hundreds of trees from a site adjacent to the Great North Walk corridor is not an 'improved outcome'; — it is an ecological catastrophe presented with a softer number.

Of particular concern is the proximity of the development site to critical bushland habitat. The area supports populations of the short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus), a species whose foraging range, nesting behavior, and reproductive cycle are highly sensitive to habitat fragmentation and the kind of large-scale vegetation clearing proposed here. Echidnas are notoriously slow to recover from habitat loss — females typically raise only one puggle per year — and the permanent loss of foraging corridor between this site and adjacent bushland reserves could extirpate the local population entirely.

The site adjoins what is effectively critical national park-adjacent bushland containing endemic and locally irreplaceable biodiversity. The construction of a massive industrial data centre in this location would introduce permanent artificial light, heat exhaust, noise from cooling equipment operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and heavy vehicle traffic — all profoundly incompatible with the surrounding ecosystem. The applicant's Biodiversity Development Assessment Report cannot adequately offset what would be lost; offset credits are an accounting fiction that cannot replace the lived complexity of a functioning woodland ecosystem.

It must be noted that even the applicant's own arborist classified two trees as 'priority for retention' and a further 29 as 'consider for retention.' These trees are nonetheless being removed. This alone speaks to the project's disregard for the ecological values of this land.

2. This Development is Wholly Inappropriate for a Residential Suburb

A fundamental question must be asked and has not been satisfactorily answered by the applicant: why does a data centre of this scale need to be located in a suburban residential precinct?

Australia already faces some of the highest land prices and electricity costs in the developed world. Data centres are extraordinarily power-hungry — this proposal consumes up to 120 megawatts of electricity, enough to power approximately 80,000 homes. Siting such a facility in inner suburban Sydney, where land is scarce and expensive, where electricity infrastructure is already under strain, and where residential amenity is paramount, makes no economic or planning sense unless there are other site-specific factors driving the location decision.

One such factor appears to be water access. The amended design has switched to air-cooled chillers, but the original proposal relied on water-cooled systems — and the site's proximity to Sydney Water infrastructure in the North Ryde corridor is not coincidental. Data centres are among the most water-intensive industrial facilities in existence. Placing them in suburban areas with ready access to municipal water supply imposes enormous hidden costs on local communities and water systems, costs that are nowhere acknowledged in this amendment.

Furthermore, the proponent's justification that the site 'supports State, regional and local planning objectives' by virtue of being zoned for employment uses cannot be accepted uncritically. The cumulative impact of multiple large-scale data centre developments across the Macquarie Park corridor is transforming what was intended to be a diverse employment precinct into an industrial computing district — one that generates relatively few jobs, contributes to traffic congestion, and permanently degrades surrounding residential and environmental amenity.

3. Surveillance Infrastructure and Public Interest Concerns

The community is entitled to ask broader questions about what this data centre is for and who it serves. Large-scale data centre infrastructure, particularly when located in close geographic proximity to dense urban populations, raises serious questions about data sovereignty, government access to personal data, and the growing architecture of digital surveillance.

Positioning high-capacity computing infrastructure within kilometres of millions of Sydney residents is not merely a convenience of network latency — it substantially reduces the logistical barriers to real-time mass data processing. As governments worldwide expand their digital monitoring capabilities, the collocation of compute infrastructure with population centres is a strategic consideration, not an accident of planning. The community has a right to demand full transparency about the intended occupants and end users of this facility before any approval is granted.

No adequate social impact assessment has been provided addressing these concerns. The Social Impact Assessment filed with this amendment is silent on questions of data governance, surveillance risk, or the public interest implications of large-scale privately-operated computing facilities adjacent to residential communities.

4. Noise, Traffic and Residential Amenity Impacts

The facility will operate continuously, 24 hours a day, every day of the year. The noise generated by large-scale air-cooled chiller systems on the rooftop — now proposed as a single rooftop level following the removal of water-cooled towers — will be a permanent and unavoidable intrusion on the lives of nearby residents. Night-time noise impacts on sleep, mental health, and wellbeing are not adequately addressed in the materials provided.

Construction traffic, particularly heavy vehicle movements associated with the delivery of server equipment, electrical infrastructure, and the proposed 132kV Sub-Transmission Switching Station, will impose significant disruption on local streets. Julius Avenue and the surrounding road network are not designed for sustained heavy vehicle use of this kind.

5. The Amendment Process Should Not Substitute for Proper Scrutiny

This Amendment Report is being used to make substantial changes to a development already placed on public exhibition — changes that include modifications to the building form, cooling systems, power capacity, access arrangements, and tree removal schedule. These are not minor clarifications; they amount to a materially different development. The community deserves a fresh round of public exhibition and genuine engagement, not an amendment process that limits meaningful participation.
The applicant's engagement process to date has been inadequate. Community concerns about tree loss, wildlife impacts, noise, and the appropriateness of this land use have been systematically minimised or dismissed in the Response to Submissions section of this report. A planning system that fast-tracks industrial-scale data centre approvals through the State Significant Development pathway — bypassing local council scrutiny — while simultaneously diminishing community voice through amendment procedures, is not serving the public interest.

Conclusion

For all of the above reasons, I urge the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to refuse this application. The Julius Avenue Data Centre, even in its amended form, represents an unacceptable intrusion of heavy industrial computing infrastructure into a sensitive suburban and bushland environment. The ecological harm — to hundreds of trees and to wildlife populations including echidnas dependent on this corridor — is irreversible. The residential amenity impacts are severe and ongoing. The justification for this location is inadequate and does not withstand scrutiny.
I respectfully request that this objection be given full consideration and that the application be refused.

Yours sincerely,

Samuel Greval-Kendall

[email protected] | 0437 766 697

I object to the proposed data centre development at 6-8 Julius Ave, North Ryde.

The proposed development is adjacent to Lane Cove National Park – a hugely important habitat corridor that weaves its way through the north of Sydney. This habitat corridor is vitally important for the conservation of Sydney’s flora and fauna. The proposed development will result in a net loss of habitat including hundreds of mature trees with hollows. Hollows are critical roosting sites for many species of birds, possums and microbats. Mature trees with hollows take approximately one hundred years to form. And yet these trees can be felled in a single day, never to return.

Development on the edge of bushland always causes some degree of disturbance and inherently alters the ecology of the bush. The disturbance occurs not only at the boundary of the bush and the development site, but also into the bush itself.
I could not find anything within the development proposal that appeared to mitigate the adverse effects of the development on the bushland adjacent to 6-8 Julius Ave. The development should not be approved without the inclusion of a comprehensive long-term Bushland Management Plan. The Bushland Management Plan should include engagement of bush care contractors in perpetuity to mitigate against the inevitable damage that will be caused by the development, both in the building of the facility and in the operation of the facility.

As detailed in the attached document, we are happy that the project has been reduced in size but have concerns particularly concerning the ongoing management of the environmentally sensitive area, and with offsets for the loss of habitat.

I strongly object to the modified project for the following reasons:
- The cumulative noise impacts of the proposed data centre with other data centres in the local area have not been given any consideration in the noise, biodiversity or social impact assessments. Noise from data centres can be heard over long distances and should be adequately considered. Cumulative noise is likely to be a significant issue impacting amenity along the Great North Walk, native fauna within bushland adjacent to the site, visitors to the Macquarie Park Cemetery and Northern Suburbs Memorial Gardens and residents in nearby residential areas. The location of such a high impact development in such a sensitive area is unacceptable.
- The BDAR states that the there is a low likelihood of the residual impact 'reduced viability of adjacent habitat due to noise, dust or light spill' - this is a false statement as the facility would generate significant noise despite the implementation of mitigation measures, which would impact nearby fauna.
- It is unlikely that the proposed offsets would adequately compensate for the ecological values lost in such a sensitive area close to a major river system and native bushland (along the Great North Walk). This data centre should be located in a highly industrialised area with low ecological values, not in an area with high ecological and recreational values.
- The amendment report has still not given adequate consideration to alternative sites that would result in less biodiversity and amenity impacts.

Sir/Madam,
I note the amended submission has taken into account some of the major community concerns about this inappropriate data centre construction project on Julius Ave in Macquarie Park.
Namely,
1. The reduced height by 10m of the monolith builiding.
2. Reduction of trees to be felled by ~150.
3. Reduced annual electrical load to 120MW (draw from grid).
4. Reduced number of diesel generators to 48 (and stored diesel to be kept on-site).
Nevertheless, the argument that this project is completely out of place in the Lane Cove bush precinct is an understatement.
The proposed Julius Ave project will see the destruction of ~350 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 so many 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. As asked in my first submission, has the developer demonstrated that no other location could be used? This should be a definite part of the decision-making process.
Report DD16 - Back Up Power discounts 'solar & batteries' as a viable form or back up system (in lieu of the proposed diesel generators). Of course, on-site roof or ground-mounted solar will not be viable but surely, a study into multiple flow-type batteries must be looked at seriously, from an emissions POV?
As well, the DD15 report into noice and vibration (nor any other specialist report) does not adequately address the cumulative noise of this proposed site AND all other data centres / industrial sites in the area. For instance, in often working along the river (for bushcare) south of the river crossing (leading bto LC tunnel, there is a large data centre which emits a constant humming/low-level droning noise. This and other industrial sites are close by and it doesn't appear to have been considered (only the site itself).
Overall, I continue to object strongly to the proposed development (even in this amended form). The over-riding reason is the need for a stop to land-clearing for industrial / economic reasons where our silent, beautiful nature is damaged, never to be returned.
Regards,

Eric Allas

This will damage sensitive ecosystems in the surrounding area, disturbing animals and neighbours with noise and pollution.

As a local resident and part of a young couple planning our future in this community, I am writing to strongly object to the proposed data centre at Julius Avenue. My primary concern is that this "Mega" industrial development is a poor use of land so close to essential infrastructure.
Being only 400m from a Metro station, this site should be prioritized for high-quality residential housing that helps address the housing crisis, rather than a windowless industrial block. The sheer size of this facility will dominate the landscape and permanently diminish the "green" character that drew us to this area.
Furthermore, the noise study provided is deeply flawed. It fails to account for the cumulative impact of the 12 other data centres already operating within a 2.5km radius. Adding another massive facility will create a permanent, audible "drone" that will destroy the peace of our local streets and the nearby National Park. I urge the department to reject this proposal in favour of development that actually serves the people of North Ryde.

Research into the impacts of data centres, as well as their actual benefits, is still only beginning. Not only is the loss of trees and the shrinking of a valuable and accessible national park going to occur, but the impacts once this centre is running are largely unknown. As remnant bushland within an urban environment, it is major that it stays as intact as possible for the good of the environment and residents!

The revisions have improved the environmental outcomes but extreme care needs to be taken to protect the remaining native vegetation, reduce the impacts from construction and in perpetuity conserve and regenerate the native vegetation on site and below the site. We ask that the protection and conservation of the native vegetation on site be guided by a Vegetation Management Plan which is approved by National Parks and/or Friends of Lane Cove National Park. All native vegetation on-site should be protected and cordoned off while construction is in process and no run-off carrying silt or contaminants be allowed to travel across the natural area during construction. The management of the native vegetation should be undertaken by professional bush regenerators and not landscape gardeners. The Data Centre management should be encouraged to take an interest in the natural features of the site and establish a volunteer bushcare group on site and/or invite Friends of Lane Cove National Park to establish a volunteer group on site. It would also be an act of good faith to support National Parks financially to reenforce their efforts to maintain the natural vegetation below the site.

The proposed site for the Julius Ave Data Centre is currently a small refuge for local NSW wildlife who have clung to their ever - decreasing habitat over the years of continued development of this area. It is also part of the Lane Cove River National Park and includes walking trails and green space enjoyed by the residents and employees in the area. The sustained protection of the remaining forest in this site is threatened greatly by this proposed data centre which demands the removal of too great an amount of established trees. Removal of this protective canopy will increase heat in the area, reduce habitat and green space. It is not a positive step for developers to take as we struggle to respond to increased extreme heat events. It will also be at significant risk of bushfires in future heatwaves. There are currently unused blocks off Talavera Rd and around the North Ryde CBD that could be demolished to make way for a centre. Please utilise the existing developed land rather than destroying yet more of the National Park for this centre. The decision made here will set the precedent for future data centre development and it needs to be done as sustainably as possible with less impact on our endangered wild spaces and creatures which provide valuable carbon absorption for the busy business precinct.

I am a student and a local bush care volunteer. I am writing to object to the Julius Avenue Data Centre because I am worried about what this project will do to the nature area I work so hard to protect.
I spend my spare time helping to restore the bushland in the nearby National Park. It is one of the few places where it is quiet enough to actually hear the birds and enjoy the environment. My main concerns are:
The constant, 24/7 mechanical humming from the cooling units will be a permanent background noise that will ruin the peacefulness of the park for people and confuse the wildlife.
We are taught that these natural corridors are sensitive. Placing a massive building with 49 diesel generators right next to the park feels like a step backward for our environment.
As a young person, I want to see our green spaces protected, not surrounded by loud, heavy infrastructure. The "loss of enjoyment" for my generation and those after us is a real cost that isn't being taken seriously enough.
The planning process is really long and can be quite discouraging for people my age, but it’s important to say that this is the wrong place for this kind of project. Please protect our National Park and reject this proposal.

I strongly object to the project as amended. Due to studying environmental science, enjoying the national parks serene space and partaking in bushcare regeneration, I deeply oppose this destructive and careless building from a company who takes no interest in preserving the native ecosystems of the Park. It has been brought to my attention that in the company’s efforts to display a false narrative of “care” for the environment, they claim to replant the trees they cut down. Do you understand the basic knowledge of ecosystem functions? Do you understand that you are not just cutting down native trees, but also the microorganisms in the ground are being built upon or ripped out, who work to ensure the fertility of
the soil. But also, the habitats of the birds, insects, and small animals that live in these trees. Not only the animals directly affected, but also after the data centre is put into place, the rest of the animals and people will suffer from your centres noise pollution, air pollution, the possibility of leaching into soil and waterways. The area has long surpassed its limit of holding data centres as this is not the first to join the area.