Project Mars Data Centre

Way too close to a public school. During building there will be way too much traffic the streets cannot handle, especially with the school and pickups ect. I have little faith it is actually necessary.

I am writing to register my objection to the large data centre being proposed for Mars Rd in Lane Cove. The reasons for my objection:
- Data centres are known to emit high levels of noise 24 hours per day (I have experience with this as I work near a data centre and can vouch that the noise levels are intrusive). This one will be close to houses and the local primary school.
- Data centres consume large amounts of power and water - Both of which are in short supply in the Sydney area.
- The centres could easily be relocated to existing heavy industrial areas where they would not detract from the amenity of the local area.
- The proposed building is large, and likely to overshadow areas of Blackman Park.
- Data centres provide very little employment proportional to their size, and will result in a loss of people in the business park area.
- There are no discernible benefits to the local area.

Project Mars is in reality just a big electronic holding tank storing zeros & ones in computer language. As such, it can be placed anywhere in the world, including under the sea. All it requires is water for cooling plus cables carrying the data and electricity. It does of course, require a plot of land but why put it in a residential environment and spoil everyone's life. Put it in a country area where the local Council's welcome such projects and employment. As cooling is one of the requirements Bathurst, Lithgow, Oberon, Blayney and Glen Innes all of which have low temperatures, would be good places that can reduce cooling costs. Mount Piper power station at Blackmans Flat can supply the power. Similarly, anywhere near the Snowy Mountains would offer the same conveniences. Alternatively, actually build Project Mars on an island in the centre of the cooling lake at Vales Point power station near Newcastle. This could have the effect of extending the life of the power station but if not, it will make good use of the lake and other future data centres could do the same. Hence, in summary don't put Project Mars in the proposed site as it can be built anywhere in Australia without disruption to the community.

I object to this project for the reasons detailed in my attachment.

I object to this project and having such a large data centre within range of residences and a small primary school. The noise and pollution that will come from this project is detrimental to the children and families that live in the area.

Submission – Project Mars Data Centre (SSD-82052708)
From: Infocus Design
Properties Impacted: 19 Mars Road, Lane Cove West (Commercial)
17 Banksia Close, Lane Cove West (Residential)

Infocus Design, as the owner/occupier of the above properties, submits the following comments in relation to the proposed Project Mars Data Centre. Given the scale, proximity, and nature of the development, we have significant concerns regarding construction impacts, operational impacts, safety risks, and ongoing amenity impacts.

This submission is not made in opposition to development per se, but to ensure that appropriate safeguards, assessments, and conditions are imposed to protect adjacent landowners and occupants.

1. Dilapidation Reports – Mandatory Requirement

Given the scale of excavation (67,410m³ cut) and proximity of works to adjoining properties, we formally request that:

A comprehensive pre-construction dilapidation report be undertaken for:
19 Mars Road (commercial premises)
17 Banksia Close (residential property)
The report must be prepared by an independent, qualified engineer
It must include:
Structural condition of buildings
Pavements, driveways, retaining walls, and services
Photographic and written documentation
A post-construction dilapidation report must also be required
Any damage attributable to the development must be rectified at the proponent’s cost

Given the extent of excavation, vibration, and heavy vehicle movements, this is a non-negotiable protection measure.

2. Noise Assessment – Requirement for Detailed Maximum Noise Analysis

We acknowledge the Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment prepared by SLR Consulting Australia Pty Ltd (SLR Project No.: 610.032285.00003, dated 16 February 2026, Revision v2.0).

However, for a development of this scale and proximity to sensitive receivers, this assessment is not sufficient in its current form.

We formally request:

2.1 Maximum Noise Level (Lmax) Assessment
A detailed maximum noise level (Lmax) assessment must be undertaken
This must include:
Generator testing events
Emergency operation scenarios
Mechanical plant start-up/shutdown cycles
Particular focus must be given to night-time impacts at residential receivers, including 17 Banksia Close
2.2 Low-Frequency and Tonal Noise
Assessment must include:
Low-frequency noise impacts
Tonal characteristics (which are typical of data centres)
2.3 Real-World Impact

The existing environment demonstrates relatively low background noise levels (~38–41 dB LA90 at night). The introduction of continuous mechanical noise, even if compliant, will materially alter the acoustic environment.

2.4 Conditions Requested
Lower night-time noise limits for residential receivers
Restrictions on generator testing hours
Mandatory post-construction compliance testing
Ongoing noise monitoring

For a project of this scale, a detailed maximum noise assessment is mandatory, not optional.

3. Pipeline Risk – Requirement for Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts

The presence of a high-pressure gas pipeline within or adjacent to the site is a critical safety issue.

While the documentation proposes:

A 3-metre exclusion zone
Jemena presence for works within this zone

This is not sufficient given the scale of the development and the surrounding population.

3.1 Risk Context

The area includes:

Commercial premises
Residential properties
A school
Religious institutions
Significant daily population
3.2 Required Measures

We formally request:

24/7 real-time pipeline monitoring during all construction works
Installation of:
Ground movement sensors
Vibration monitoring systems
Pipeline stress/pressure monitoring
Instant alert systems triggered when thresholds are exceeded
Mandatory stop-work protocols upon any alert
Monitoring to be:
Independent of the contractor
Auditable and recorded
3.3 Key Requirement

Advance warning and immediate response capability must be in place. Reliance on physical supervision alone is inadequate.

Given the potential consequence of failure, this must be treated as a high-consequence risk requiring best-practice controls.

4. Electromagnetic Fields (EMF)

Given the significant power demand (up to 81MW), substations, and associated infrastructure, we request clarification on:

Whether a formal EMF study has been conducted
If so, that it be made publicly available
If not, that a comprehensive EMF assessment be undertaken

For a development of this scale, adjacent to residential properties, an EMF study should be considered standard due diligence.

5. Overshadowing – 17 Banksia Close

We request clear confirmation that:

There will be no overshadowing impact on 17 Banksia Close
Detailed, property-specific analysis is provided showing:
Winter solstice impacts
Impact on habitable rooms
Impact on private open space

Generalised shadow diagrams are insufficient. A site-specific assessment must be provided.

6. Access and Operational Continuity – 19 Mars Road

It is critical that:

Access to 19 Mars Road is maintained at all times during construction and operation
This includes:
The primary front driveway
The shared access via 27 Mars Road

We request confirmation that:

No works will obstruct access
A detailed Construction Traffic Management Plan is provided
Clear contingency arrangements are in place

Operational disruption to our business is not acceptable.

7. Conclusion

The Project Mars Data Centre is a large-scale infrastructure development with significant potential impacts on adjacent commercial and residential properties.

The key issues raised in this submission are:

Protection of property through dilapidation reporting
Adequate and realistic noise assessment (including maximum noise levels)
Robust and real-time pipeline risk management
Confirmation of EMF impacts
Protection of residential amenity (shadowing)
Guaranteed access to commercial premises

We request that these matters be fully addressed and conditioned as part of any approval.

This proposal should be rejected based on the extremely close proximity of sensitive receivers to the proposed facility and the significant impacts of the facility on air quality, noise pollution, visual amenity and impacts on bushland.
- The proposed location of the data centre at 12 Mars Rd would place the data centre on the very boundary of the E4 zoned land, directly abutting a community nursery and residential properties (zoned R2 – Low Density Residential) immediately to the East of the facility, Blackman Park a vibrant sports and environmental public space (zoned RE1) to the South and a Public Primary School only 160m to the north-east. The nearest residential property is less than 50 metres from the proposed facility and unlike for other approved or constructed data centres in Sydney, there are no major or arterial roads with high levels of ambient noise, separating residents from the facility. The nearest residential properties on Banksia Close, Avalon Ave and Wood St are located on quiet suburban streets with local traffic.
- A 24/7 data centre located directly adjacent to a quiet residential area carries an unacceptable high level risk for the ongoing and detrimental impacts of noise and its impacts on human health.
- The proposed height of the development is routinely referenced throughout the EIS as 28.3m which is a 57% exceedance on the currently maximum permissible height standard of 18m.
- Viewpoints from the decks and backyards of residents on the western side of Wood Street, properties on Banksia Close and double story properties within the vicinity are not taken into account in the Visual Impact Assessment Report. Additionally, hundreds of Lane Cove West parents and students walk in this area everyday as well as users of Blackman Park (dog walkers, sports fields, skate park, tennis courts etc) have been discounted from this amenity and health impacts assessment.

I have provided my comments on the proposed Project Mars Data Centre in the attachment.

Friends of LCNP are concerned about the environmental impact of multiple Data Centers in the area and of this location in particular. Submission attached

The 12 Mars Road proposal misrepresents the locations as being R2, when in fact it adjoins a conservation zone. Over 90 trees are proposed to be removed, which will severly impact the local ecology and Blackman Park. The noise will include subsonic sounds and audible low frequency rumbling which will impact local residents, Blackman Park and Lane Cove West Public School. The size of the proposed development is too large, and the developers have allowed room for further expansion in their proposal. A major concern is the load on the local electricity network, which already suffers frequent blackouts. Data centers also use massive amounts of potable water, further putting strain on local infrastructure. The data centre will loom over Blackman park, and poses a risk to remaining vegetation due to overshadowing and root disturbance. It also reduces employment in the area, replacing the 200 existing employees working on the site with only 26 staff. This proposed development is too close to local houses and will have a detrimental effect on quality of life and housing prices. It's supposed "buffer zone" is actually zoned c2 (conservation) and does not exist on their property. They need to allow buffer zones on site and not in public land. Overall, the location of this data centre is not appropriate and adds to the 15 or so data centres in our area. It also is a security risk, as data centres have been targetted and bombed overseas in times of conflict. Not this data centre, not this location. Too big, too disruptive and not in fitting with the surroundings.

The project will demage wild life, trees and ecosystem of Lane Cove we are trying to preserve. It will also create a noise and pollution from 24/7 center for residents, high risk of fire incidents and will turn the parkland into undesirable industrial area.

I strongly oppose the proposed Mars Rd Mega Data centre
Firstly it is right on top homes in WoodSt and close to Lane cove west school and Blackman Park sporting and recreation area which is used by thousands of parents and children from all over Lane Cove and the north Shore .
Secondly the scale of the development and local infrastructure is not compatable. Any use of taxpayer dollars to improve the local infrastructure to enable a Data Centre cluster to be approved would be overriding the wishes of the local community and an improper use of planning priorities
This is not an industrial area it is only a business park suited to small businesses with minimum impact on the adjacent residential community and environment.
Finally the impact on the health and amenity of the area which has taken decades to create by the people and community of Lane Cove would be destroyed.

This is inappropriate development in a mainly residential area. Australia is suffering an affordable housing crisis and an energy and fuel crisis, and unprecedented levels of inflation causing the cost of living to skyrocket. Furthermore, Australia is one of the most arid places on Earth and parts of NSW are experiencing drought.
The area where the data centres are proposed to be built should be kept aside for residents and local community use. Not for data centres, which are huge buildings and have no meaningful and immediate benefits for most people.
Additionally, data from the US shows that data centres have massive, immediate and long-term detrimental impacts on human health and the environment. Examples are massive electricity and water consumption, people developing tinnitus from noise produced, and people developing respiratory and cardiovascular conditions and diseases.
There are also big questions over what waste will be produced by the data centres and how that waste will be dealt with to avoid any detrimental impacts on people (whether financial and/or physiological) and the environment.
Some links to articles regarding impacts on humans: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772985025000262
https://www.lincolninst.edu/publications/land-lines-magazine/articles/land-water-impacts-data-centers/
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772985025000262

Please see attached Formal Objection PDF file

I would like to object the construction of the data centre in Mars Road SSD-82052708. This state significant development is having a massive impact on the community.
First I would be affected as I am a direct worker in the area since 2019. I work for one of the warehouse that could be impacted as result of this project. I have home loand and personal liabilities and this project could seriously impact me by a possible redundancy or liquidation of business operations.
Second The massive impact on the environment for Lane Cove West community and sorrounding areas, including height limits, noise, excavation, deforestation, fauna and flora impact that will seriously deteriorate the quality of life for our community.
Third the impact on many workers in the area who will be affected with their job status and possible risk of employment for relocation. More than 500 people directly affected.
Fourth The effect on market value of sorrounding properties directly related to the construction of data centre and their clear implications on value reduction due to quality of life reduction.
Fifth the impact on high water and electricity consumption, road network closure, traffic increase and local disruption in a peacuful area.
Sixth the ongoing proposal request for more additional data centres in the area that derive questions about the real interest on local government to advocate for residents or instead working for the benfit of bigger interest where money is first and community to deal with Goverment decision, running over the general community interest. The rapid expansion across the state gives evidence the real interest of local state to work for high fortune interests and not for the community. Local Government is chosen to serve the community or at this stage, the questioning of local goverment reputation starts to be on the spotlight with the steady proposal for data centre development in the area.
Please I completely object this project and I have also signed in conjunction with more than 800 people our complete disagreement with the approval of this project affecting a whole community and local state goverment reputation.
Sincerely
Leonardo Acosta Padron

I am concerned about the impact on the value of my property on Avalon Avenue. Given its close proximity, it is very distressing to think this could affect my retirement home, especially after a lifetime of paying taxes here.

Furthermore, I am worried about the impact on the wild life, air quality , traffic, noise levels, and neurological effects, particularly for babies. What will the future be like for our next generation?


My question is: does this development have to be in Lane Cove West? Does it have to be on Mars Road? Companies like Goodman have investments in other properties , do they have alternative options?

Residents like us do not have a choice. This is our retirement and everything we have.

The bush land being destroyed is an important corridor for native wildlife. A section of The Great North Walk goes through there and should be protected for tourists and locals. There are important indigenous middens in the area.

Lane Cove is rapidly becoming a major data centre hub
• Key compliance reports have not been submitted
• Noise has already exceeded predicted levels
• Fire and Rescue NSW says required documentation was never received

This development is to close to residential areas, local school and preschools.
Another site at the industrial park, further away from the residential boundaries should be utilized.

I object due to environmental concerns and use of too much water and electricity

There are numerous concerns with this project and the long term impact it will have on the local community and more broadly, the environment.

1. Operational Noise: There is anecdotal evidence that currently operating data centres are exceeding their maximum operational noise levels (eg AirTrunk in Lane Cove) and there is no official monitoring or enforcement of these breaches, therefore how can the figures quoted by the proponents be accepted as true. Furthermore, the noise levels, whenever the back-up generators are required will be extremely problematic. - This could be at any time 24/7.

2. Local Air Pollution: Whenever the back-up generators are required there will be additional toxic emissions released into the atmosphere.

3. The building will be aesthetically appalling for those living on the western side of Wood Street.