Project Mars Data Centre

Please see the attached document for the list of my objection to this project.

I have added my objections in the attached document

Please see attached document outlining my objection to the proposed Project Mars Data Centre.

- Proximity to a residential area, i.e. 10 Banksia Cls (was 10 Mars Rd) is virtually next door to the proposed Data Centre, at 12 Mars Rd (what is the suggested minimum distance from residential areas?
-My residence is only about 500m from 12 Mars Rd and I'm measuring, 28 db on a basic sound meter, at 11pm. I understand the minimum sound measure will be 38 db. 10 Banksia Cls and related areas (including our place) would be subject to significant and unacceptable inconvenience.
- In recent times we have been affected by the installation of a 250mm Ø potable water supply to the AirTrunk Data Centre, in the NW section of the LCW Industrial Area. We understand another similar pipe would be required for the 12 Mars proposal. About 6-years ago we had a major water problem with a 300mm Ø under our driveway; this wasn't for our residences BUT was the water supply to the LCW Industrial Area and now we are wanting to install more 250mm Ø POTABLE water supplies. DOES Sydney have enough POTABLE water for PEOPLE NOT Data Centre's
- The other side to that is the POTABLE water isn't recycled BUT will be going into the sewerage system? The sewerage system would be 50+ years old, like our 300mm Ø water supply to the LCW Industrial Area. Will these Data Centre's pay for this upgrade?
- Currently the warehouse complex at 12 Mars Rd has around 226 people employed on the site, whereas the proposed Data Centre is suggesting 26 people.
In our Scout Group, in Blackman Park, we use a company, that is based at 12 Mars Rd, for doing work at the Scout Hall. His proximity to the Scout Hall (refer the item below)
- The 1st Lane Cove Scouts, that is based in Blackman Park, and who I am involved with, often use the Blackman Park area, for external activities, that require quiet type activities. These are often undertaken in the space adjacent to the Lane Cove Council nursery and 12 Mars Rd. The potential noise that could be generated by the proposed Data Centre, at 12 Mars Rd, could provide unacceptable ambience, at a location we have been using.

I object to this proposal on multiple grounds as per the attached documentation.

I object to this proposal primarily on the basis of infrasound (<20 Hz) generated by data centres that have deleterious effects on the health of nearby residents.

https://youtu.be/_bP80DEAbuo

THIS PROJECT DOES NOT COMPLY WITH SO MANY AREAS OF LAW OR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OR THE IMPACT ON EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE. WILL BE A HUGE DISASTER FOR LANE COVE AREA!!!

There are too many environmental risk factors to have a data centre near bushland.
The University of Cambridge has released research showing heat islands can be created in the areas surrounding data centres, raising the temperature.

https://www.theregister.com/2026/04/01/ai_datacenter_heat_islands/

The drain on power created by data centres could lead to increased power bills.

Water supply should go to houses, not data centres.

See attachment

I strongly object to this project due to the negative environmental impacts during demolition, construction and long-term operation. The ESD report (and other reports) incorrectly state the proximity of eastern boundary houses (actually 15m to 10 Banksia Cl, not the 250m stated in the report; and actually 44m to the the houses 60 to 74 Wood St, not the 200m in the report). In addition, there are nearby high usage (by children) facilities at Lane Cove West Public School (146m to the NNE); and Blackman Park, 1st Lane Cove Scout Hall and Lane Cove West Tennis Club all within 100m to the South/SE. The EDC report incorrectly states advises that the site is bounded by "an industrial site to the east". These grossly misleading statements are enough to red-flag the proposed development. Refer attached for ESD and EDC sources.
Long-term impacts includes high electricity usage (sourced from where?; impact on local electricity security?), massive water usage for cooling (sourced from/disposed to where?; impact on Lane Cove River 400m to the SW?), and local air pollution (including massive back-up diesel generators)

The Project Mars Data Centre is proposed for the Lane Cove West Small Industry Area. This area is a contained commercial area between bushland, parkland and residential areas. The area provides a convenient hub for small/medium businesses away from the CBD and other areas such as Artarmon and the Hills District.
As datacentres support very little employment once they are constructed and detract from the amenity of the area, I submit that this location is not appropriate for further datacentre concentration.

Attention: Patrick Copas,
Department of Planning and Environment.
Dear Mr. Copas,
Comments on the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Project Mars Data Centre proposal at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West (SSD-82052708).
I am writing to oppose the Project Mars Data Centre proposal.
Given the size of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and its appendices, it is difficult to know where to begin in listing my objections to this proposal and questioning the many assumptions (and omissions) which allow the EIS to conclude that the proposal will have a “low positive” effect on the lifestyle of local residents (EIS 6.11.9, p 122). This, like many conclusions in the proposal, is ludicrous. As a resident in close proximity to the proposed development, I appreciate the opportunity to highlight my greatest concerns and acknowledge that I am placing great reliance on your Department and its skilled staff to investigate the proposal in detail and consider the valid objections of the Lane Cove community.
Executive Summary
The proposal for a hyper-scale data centre at 12 Mars Road will irrevocably change the character of the site and will negatively affect the nearby residential, educational and recreational areas. The proposal subverts the current purpose of the zoning and risks inflicting irredeemable noise and visual impacts on residents of Lane Cove West, on the users of recreational facilities in Blackman Park and the teachers and students attending nearby primary school and early education facilities.
In a best-case scenario, the noise and visual impacts of this project are certain to cause a loss of amenity in the area: it will dominate the skyline for many nearby residents and introduces a new 24/7 noise nuisance (with tonal and low frequency characteristics) that we have never been subject to before. This would be a radical change for the area. Lane Cove West is not particularly quiet during the day but it is normally quiet in the evening and night. I will definitely be bothered by the noise and expect many other residents will feel the same way, especially any, who like me, have the living, entertainment and outdoor entertainment areas in their homes oriented towards the industrial estate. As a “mission critical” facility, noise levels will be permitted to leap at any time of the day or night as emergency generators kick in to maintain data centre operations during power outages.
Using the maps in the EIS, I estimate that in addition to the Lane Cove West Primary School and the Mindchamps Early Learning and Childcare facility, there are 127 homes within 150m of the site (the closest is 25m). Many of these locations will be badly impacted by noise, and even more will be if the predicted operational noise levels are exceeded, during back-up generator operation and if noise perception turns out to be worse than anticipated.
Noise perception problems seem likely given that the Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (Noise Report) has not taken into account the impact of tonal and low frequency noise typically produced by data-centres. Indeed, that the Sound Report chooses not to use sound adjustment penalties available under the Noise Standards to compensate for tonal and low frequency noise seems to be a serious oversight that throws into question much of the ‘compliance’ (already marginal in some cases) asserted in the report.
The Noise Report also seems unclear about whether the plant and equipment it has used in its modelling is in fact the plant and equipment that will go into the project. This needs to be clarified. The assumption error that has contributed to the significant noise exceedance problems being caused by the AirTrunk data centre at the western edge of the Lane Cove West Industrial Park (The Business Park) shows the risk for people posed by projects like this where predicted ex-post outcomes can only be based on assumptions. The Noise Report needs to be based on the actual equipment that will be used and demonstrably employ conservative assumptions. Tonal and low frequency noise issues and cumulative effects must be incorporated in the analysis. I suspect a noise report constructed in this manner will show this project is not appropriate where 127 homes, a primary school, an early education centre and a major recreational facility are located within 25m to 150m.
Overseas, the regulatory environment around data centres is tightening. In the USA, more restrictive zoning, minimum distance setbacks to protect residential areas and more complex noise standards, that recognise low frequency noise impacts, are starting to be implemented. While there does not seem to be any consistent standards internationally, communities and regulators increasingly recognise that the 24/7 noise incorporating low frequency and tonal elements is typical of hyper-scale data centres and can severely reduce amenity and damage physical and mental health.
The proximity to homes, schools and recreational facilities magnifies all the risks from this project: omnipresent noise, visual impacts, environmental damage, hazardous materials, toxic exhaust fumes, clustering effects and a prolonged noisy construction process. In my view, the noise levels forecast (i.e. best case) will damage people’s physical and mental health and cause reduced residential property values. In the event of worse noise levels transpiring (e.g. AirTrunk) residents face a severe loss of amenity leading possibly to even more adverse health outcomes and significant wealth destruction. These health and economic risks are ignored in the limited social impact and economic assessments offered in the EIS.
Cumulative effects are also not covered adequately in the EIS (EIS 6.8.3 p. 93 and 6.9.3 p.102) in part because it was published before the most recent data centre development application were made. Clearly, if property developers have their way, the Business Park is heading towards being a major data centre cluster and this project should not be analysed in isolation from these other projects.
This clustering is obviously relevant for evaluating cumulative risks and noise impacts from these projects but together they will also ‘crowd out’ small business users from the Business Park. Given this data centre investment boom is happening across the country, it raises the question of whether we are giving up spaces that are vital for nurturing small business and entrepreneurship in our communities – the actual purpose of the site zoning. If we allow it, this boom will result in the de-facto re-zoning of general industrial areas into low employment zones without any broader policy discussion having taken place. This opportunity cost is ignored in the economic justifications offered for the project.
This proposal is in breach of existing planning restrictions for the site, is not consistent with the purpose of the zoning, will bring problematic 24/7 noise, will have significant visual impacts and is too close to residential, educational and recreational facilities. Being so close magnifies the risks for all who live, learn or play in the area in the likely event that the Visual Impact and Noise Assessment reports, which appear to be deficient, prove to be deficient.
Please decline this proposal.
Please review my full response, attached.

I object Submission Opposing Proposed Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West

I object to the proposed data centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West and request that it be rejected as this site is not appropriate for a development of this scale.

I am a grandmother who regularly visits my family and grandchildren in this community. When I am in Lane Cove, I take my grandchildren to Blackman Park where they play sport and spend long periods outdoors. This is a well used space relied on by many families.

I am deeply concerned about the concentration of multiple large data centres in such close proximity to homes, schools and parks, and what this means for children’s health and wellbeing. The potential for increased noise, air pollution from diesel generators during testing or outages, and the cumulative impact of several facilities operating together creates an unacceptable level of risk in an area where children live, learn and play.

Large scale industrial infrastructure should not be clustered in close proximity to sensitive community spaces without clear evidence that it is safe. In this case, that has not been demonstrated.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that this proposal be refused.

Submission attached

Submission Opposing Proposed Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West

I object to the proposed data centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West and request that it be rejected as the site is not suitable for this scale of development.

From a sustainability and environmental perspective, the concentration of multiple hyperscale data centres in one location is deeply concerning. These facilities are highly resource intensive, placing significant demand on electricity and water while introducing risks to air quality through diesel generator use. When considered together, the cumulative environmental impact is substantial and has not been adequately addressed.

This site sits in very close proximity to residential areas, bushland and valued community spaces. It is not an appropriate location for infrastructure of this intensity. Sustainable planning should prioritise protecting existing communities and natural environments, not placing additional burden on them.

I respectfully ask that this proposal be refused and that a more strategic, environmentally responsible approach to locating this type of infrastructure is adopted.

Please see the attached letter which substantially explains the objection of the P&C.

I object to the proposed project. I believe that the report content is Inconsistent and incorrect in various instances. I am concerned that false representation is being made in some cases and not presented accurately.
My concern is with the expected noise levels experienced especially at night in a residential zone area when compared to normal ambient noise levels. I do not believe that the project has adequate acoustic treatments proposed to avoid any increase in decibel levels perceived from an ambient state as is currently. The location of the proposed site is in very close proximity to the residential area and does not align with the peace and quietness of this suburb.
The hazardous materials stored on the site in large quantities presents a very high probable risk To the environment, especially in this area of the conservation spaces, playgrounds, homes and nearby river. Specific concerns are in relation to the large quantities of stored diesel and lithium iron batteries and the potential for damage from fallout and Uncontained events.
Whilst the project plan allows for alternative routes during construction and during the event of hazardous incidents on site, there is a serious risk of emergency access to emergency vehicles and evacuation pathways due to the limited access to the site. The proposal will impact very negatively especially during construction wth traffic flow and heavy vehicles access to the residential zones. The proposal allows for temporary removal of bollard barriers to traffic flow from the industrial site to the residential zone. There is no demonstration as to how these procedures will be maintained in the long-term to eliminate free traffic flow from the industrial sites to the residential zone.
The visual representation of this site has been presented from certain views however does not consider the views visible from all locations.
My concern is that this project is proposed in a most inappropriate location which impacts on too many front i.e. from a residential perspective evaluation of properties, Aesthetics of the environment, very high noise & environmental potential risks presented from possible poor management and safety evacuation pathways.

Attached the document with the reason why I object to the development of the data centre in 12 Mars Road

Please see attached letter for our substantive objection.
This was uploaded again due to some correction.
PLEASE REDACT MY NAME AND PERSONAL INFORMATION IN PUBLIC DISPLAY.

For the reasons outlined in the attached submission, I object to the proposal and request that consent be refused. If consent is not refused, it should only be considered following material redesign and the imposition of stringent, enforceable conditions that avoid (rather than merely manage) impacts on nearby sensitive receivers.