Project Mars Data Centre

The proposed “Project Mars” data centre development in Lane Cove West demands serious scrutiny before any approval is considered. The site currently houses an operational commercial warehouse serving Sightline, a Sydney-based audio-visual company that supports live events and corporate productions across the city. Displacing a functional, people-centred business to make way for automated infrastructure raises immediate questions about what genuine relocation support has been offered, and whether the economic trade-off has been honestly assessed. The livelihoods of real workers are at stake, and no planning process should treat that as an acceptable casualty without thorough justification.
What makes Project Mars particularly alarming is its sheer scale. An 81-megawatt facility operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is not a modest commercial development — it is heavy industrial infrastructure, and it has no business being positioned within metres of a residential neighbourhood. The power draw alone is equivalent to tens of thousands of homes, placing enormous and sustained strain on the local electricity grid. More staggering still is the projected water consumption: half a billion litres per year. That figure is not a rounding error — it represents an extraordinary claim on a shared public resource, in a city and a country that has lived through devastating droughts and faces an increasingly volatile climate future. Approving this level of water usage for a single private facility, in a suburban setting, would be an act of institutional recklessness.
The human cost to the immediate community is just as concerning. Within 200 metres of the proposed site sit two tennis courts, sports ovals, a skate park, a local school, and the homes of Lane Cove West residents. These are not peripheral details — they represent the daily lives of children, families, and community members who have every right to expect that the land next door will not be converted into a continuously operating industrial facility. Data centres of this scale generate significant heat exhaust, require large external cooling systems that produce constant mechanical noise, and draw heavy vehicle traffic for maintenance and infrastructure servicing. For children walking to school, families using the sports facilities, and residents trying to sleep, this is not a background inconvenience — it is a permanent and unavoidable degradation of their environment.
On a personal level, Lane Cove West is a place I move through regularly — playing tennis at the local courts and cycling through the area. Both of those activities depend on an environment that is safe, accessible, and liveable. Beyond that, the business I work for, Sightline, is directly based on this site and would be forcibly uprooted by this development — displacing a team of people who have built their working lives around this location. And Sightline is unlikely to be alone; the surrounding area supports a number of local businesses that contribute meaningfully to the character and economy of Lane Cove West. These are enterprises run by real people, employing local workers and serving the community — not abstractions on a planning document. Replacing that web of commercial activity with a single sealed, automated facility that generates no community interaction and offers negligible local employment is not progress. The construction phase would also bring months of heavy vehicle movements through local streets, creating genuine hazards for cyclists and disrupting the community spaces that residents rely on. Once built, the facility would fundamentally alter the character of the area — a vast, fenced-off, windowless structure generating industrial noise and heat around the clock, situated alongside a school and recreational spaces that were never designed to coexist with infrastructure of this kind.
Project Mars may suit a remote industrial corridor or a purpose-built technology precinct. It does not suit Lane Cove West. The community here — its residents, its school, its sporting facilities, and its existing businesses — deserves land use that contributes to local life rather than consuming it. This proposal should not proceed in its current form.

I am a resident of Lane Cove West and write to formally object to the State Significant Development application for the Project Mars Data Centre campus at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West (Goodman Group, 90MW).

1. Cumulative Impact on a Residential Fringe Suburb
Lane Cove West Business Park now has five data centre proposals: two built, one approved, and two more (Project Mars and the DC Alliance proposal) currently in planning. The cumulative impact of this concentration on the amenity, infrastructure, and character of the surrounding residential area is not being adequately assessed. Each project is assessed in isolation, masking the true burden on Lane Cove West residents. A cumulative impact assessment across all approved, under-construction, and proposed data centres in this precinct must be conducted before any further approvals are granted.

2. Noise and Air Quality — Diesel Backup Generators
The proposed facility includes approximately 120 diesel backup generators. Diesel generators produce significant quantities of nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and other combustion pollutants during testing and emergency operations. Lane Cove West Public School is located in close proximity to this precinct. The impact of regular generator testing (typically monthly, each test lasting 30–60 minutes) on the health of children attending this school has not been adequately addressed. I request a strict noise and air quality management plan with independent monitoring, generator testing restricted to school holiday periods, and enforceable limits on cumulative generator operation hours per year.

3. Power Reliability and Grid Capacity
Residents in Lane Cove West already experience power reliability issues. A 90MW facility will place extraordinary additional demand on the local distribution network. The application must demonstrate that Ausgrid's local infrastructure can accommodate this load without degrading supply reliability for existing residents and businesses, and that any required network upgrades are fully funded by the developer, not ratepayers.

4. Construction Disruption
Existing data centre construction in the precinct has already required cables to be trenched through residential verges and a year-long Sydney Water pipe upgrade. The construction management plan for Project Mars must commit to: no residential verge access without prior resident notification and consent; construction hours strictly enforced; and a dedicated community liaison contact with genuine responsiveness obligations.

5. Visual and Character Impact
The scale of this development — two two-storey facilities totalling 18,830 sqm, plus substantial rooftop plant — is inconsistent with the character of the surrounding area. The height, bulk, and visual presence of data centre infrastructure (cooling towers, generators, switchgear) significantly degrades the amenity of nearby residential streets.

Conclusion
I do not object to data centre development in principle, but this specific application — in the context of the already heavy concentration of facilities in this precinct — imposes unacceptable cumulative risks on Lane Cove West residents, particularly with regard to air quality near the local school, power reliability, and noise. I request that the Independent Planning Commission or delegate undertake a cumulative impact assessment before determining this application, and that enforceable conditions address the noise, air quality, and construction concerns raised above.

Colin Chauvet
25 Cullen Street, Lane Cove West NSW 2066
[email protected]
+61 459 481 437

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Mars Data Centre development within the Lane Cove Local Government Area.
The scale, location and impacts of this proposal raise serious concerns for nearby residents, the local school, Blackman Park, and the broader community.

1. Three Years of Construction Adjacent to Sensitive Land Uses
The proposal includes approximately three years of construction, operating Monday to Saturday, immediately adjacent to residential areas, Lane Cove West Public School, and Blackman Park. This extended construction period is excessive for such a sensitive location and is expected to result in:

Ongoing construction noise impacting families, young children, elderly residents, and shift workers
Significant disruption to teaching and learning environments at Lane Cove West Public School
Dust, vibration, and reduced air quality affecting residents and park users over an extended period
A prolonged and unacceptable reduction in neighbourhood amenity

The cumulative impact of sustained construction activity over such a long timeframe has not been adequately justified or mitigated in the proposal and places a disproportionate burden on the local community.

2. Traffic, Parking and Safety Impacts
Parking and traffic impacts present a major concern. Lane Cove West already experiences significant congestion, particularly during school drop‑off and pick‑up times and periods of peak use at Blackman Park.
Construction activity is likely to increase:

Demand for worker parking in residential streets
Heavy‑vehicle movements on local roads
Congestion and safety risks during school hours
Competition for already limited residential street parking

The documentation does not provide sufficient detail on how these impacts will be managed or mitigated. Given existing pressures on the local road network, the proposal requires a far clearer and more robust assessment of cumulative traffic and parking impacts.

3. Proximity, Scale and Compatibility
The scale of the proposed development raises serious planning concerns. The proposed building height exceeds existing planning controls, and setbacks to residential boundaries are limited.
Given the proximity to homes, a public school, and a heavily used park, the bulk and massing of the facility raises significant questions about its compatibility with surrounding land uses. The proposed scale risks overwhelming the existing neighbourhood character and undermining established planning controls intended to protect residential amenity.

4. Noise Impacts and Uncertainty
Construction noise is expected to be substantial over the three‑year build period. In addition, operational noise impacts remain uncertain due to:

Noise modelling being based on draft mechanical designs rather than finalised plans
The presence of backup diesel generators, which may operate during outages or testing
Potential low‑frequency noise, which can be particularly intrusive for nearby residents

Given these uncertainties, it is not appropriate to assume acceptable long‑term noise impacts without further detailed and finalised assessment.

5. Air Quality and Diesel Emissions
The proposal includes diesel generator testing and potential operation during power outages. However, the cumulative air‑quality impacts of this facility, particularly when considered alongside multiple nearby data centres, have not been adequately explored.
Local residents, school children, and park users may be exposed to increased emissions, and further assessment is required to understand the long‑term health and environmental implications.

6. Infrastructure Capacity and Servicing
Key service authorities, including Sydney Water and Ausgrid, have not yet confirmed that sufficient infrastructure capacity exists to support the proposed development.
The absence of confirmed servicing arrangements raises concerns about:

The feasibility of the proposal as currently exhibited
Potential future infrastructure upgrades impacting the local area
The appropriateness of approving a development of this scale without confirmed essential services

These matters should be resolved prior to any approval.

7. Environmental Impacts
The proposal involves the removal of approximately 90 trees, significantly reducing established natural buffers between the development and surrounding areas. This loss will:

Diminish local biodiversity
Reduce visual and acoustic screening
Negatively affect the ecological value of the area

In addition, continuous lighting, heat output, and around‑the‑clock activity associated with a data centre may have ongoing impacts on local wildlife that have not been adequately addressed.

8. Visual and Amenity Impacts
The visual assessment relies on selected viewpoints that may not accurately reflect the experience of nearby residents. The scale and massing of the building have the potential to:

Significantly alter local character
Increase visual dominance in the streetscape
Reduce residential amenity for adjoining properties

A more comprehensive and representative visual assessment is required.

9. Social and Economic Impacts
While the Environmental Impact Statement concludes there will be no significant adverse social or economic impacts, this conclusion lacks sufficient supporting evidence. Further clarity is required regarding:

Long‑term impacts on residential amenity
Potential effects on property values
Broader consequences for community wellbeing

These issues are particularly important given the proximity to homes and a public school.

10. Consultation and Exhibition Concerns
Community consultation to date appears limited, with only a small number of residents engaged. In addition, the exhibition period overlapped with Easter and school holidays, which significantly restricts the ability of families, school communities, and other stakeholders to participate meaningfully in the process.
This timing undermines confidence that genuine community input has been sought or considered.
11. Strategic Planning and Cumulative Impacts
The proposal is being assessed largely in isolation, despite the presence of multiple data centres in the surrounding area. Furthermore, there is an active NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into data centre planning, the findings of which may be directly relevant to this proposal.
Proceeding prior to the outcome of that inquiry risks pre‑empting broader strategic decisions about the appropriate location and regulation of such facilities.

12. Reliance on Future Information
Several key aspects of the proposal rely on future studies, finalised designs, or post‑approval commitments. A development of this size and impact should be assessed based on complete, verified, and final information, not deferred details.

Conclusion
For the reasons outlined above, the proposed Mars Data Centre raises serious planning, environmental, and community concerns. The scale, location, duration of construction, and unresolved impacts make it inappropriate for approval in its current form.
I respectfully request that the consent authority refuse the application, or at a minimum require substantial further assessment, revised design outcomes, and meaningful community engagement before any determination is made.

SSD‑82052708 — Project Mars Data Centre, 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Project Mars Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West (SSD‑82052708). After reviewing the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and supporting technical documents, I hold serious concerns regarding the project’s environmental impacts, infrastructure feasibility, amenity impacts on nearby residential areas, and the overall lack of demonstrated community benefit. I wish to bring this to your attention to ensure these matters are addressed prior to proceeding further with this application or the application be rejected.

The proposal is incompatible with its immediate context and fails to adequately assess or mitigate several significant risks that are played down in the EIS. I have outlined my concerns below.

1. Proximity, Scale and Land Use Conflict
The EIS repeatedly frames the site as “set back from sensitive receivers,” yet the actual distances tell a different story. Table 5 of the EIS confirms that residential properties are only ~50m from the site, with setbacks to the boundary as little as 6.3m.

The proposal also seeks a 28.3m building height, exceeding the LEP’s 18m limit by 10.3m — a 57% variation. The EIS itself states:
“The maximum building height is 28.3m… comprising a 10.3m variation to the maximum height control.”
This scale is inappropriate immediately adjacent to low‑density homes, a school, and public recreation areas. The industrial zoning does not override the need to protect residential amenity where land uses directly interface.

2. Noise, Vibration and Amenity Impacts

Construction Noise
The EIS acknowledges that during construction:
“Exceedances of NMLs are expected at the nearest sensitive receivers.”
Residents will be “highly noise affected” for extended periods, including during demolition, excavation (67,410m³ of cut), and heavy vehicle movements.

I operate a small business from my home office (CI Sustain PTY LTD ABN: 22 624 023 427). During construction, because of the close proximity to the proposed building this will be expected to have a significant impact on my ability to run a small business over such a long duration).

Operational Noise
The operational noise assessment is based on draft mechanical designs, not final equipment. This means actual noise levels remain unknown.
The EIS concedes:
“Operational noise assessments have been undertaken based on a fully operational data centre… [but] final equipment selection may vary.”
Low‑frequency noise — a known issue for data centres — is not meaningfully assessed.

Generator Noise
The proposal includes 49 diesel generators, yet generator noise is largely excluded from the operational noise assessment because they are classified as “emergency standby plant.” This is misleading, given:
122.5 hours of testing per year (Table 11)
Potential for simultaneous operation during outages
Cumulative generator noise from multiple nearby data centres is not assessed
This represents a major gap in the EIS.

3. Air Quality and Diesel Generator Impacts
The EIS confirms:
“In final configuration… 49 low voltage diesel generators… supported by 8 in‑ground bulk fuel storage tanks.”
Testing alone accounts for 122.5 hours per year, and the EIS acknowledges that exceedances of NO₂ may occur during emergency operation.
Critically, the EIS states:
“Exceedances would only occur during an emergency scenario… [but] the likelihood… is considered highly unlikely.”
This is not a valid justification. Emergency scenarios — bushfires, grid failures, heatwaves — are precisely when air quality is already compromised.

Furthermore, cumulative impacts from multiple data centres in Lane Cove West are not assessed, despite the EIS listing several nearby facilities (Table 6).

This omission is unacceptable for a project of this scale.

4. Water Usage, Electrical Load and Infrastructure Capacity
The EIS reveals significant uncertainty regarding the project’s infrastructure feasibility:

• Sydney Water has not confirmed capacity

• Ausgrid has not confirmed final connection agreements

• The cooling system will consume ~510,000m³ of water annually

The EIS states:
“Goodman has ongoing fortnightly meetings with Sydney Water… A Section 73 application is to be submitted following lodgement.”
This means the proponent is seeking approval before confirming whether the site can be serviced.

Given Lane Cove’s recent water outages, sewer upgrades, and electrical constraints, this is a material risk to the community.

The existing Data Centres have caused a prolonged impact to our roads as well as several disruptions to water that the community has already endured.

5. Environmental Impacts and Biodiversity Loss
The proposal involves:
Removal of 90 trees
Only 104 replacement trees, many of which will take decades to mature
Loss of canopy that currently provides a natural buffer to homes
Increased heat, light spill, and noise affecting adjacent bushland

The EIS acknowledges:
“90 trees will be removed… 132 retained… 104 replacement trees proposed.”
This is a net loss of mature canopy and habitat.

The EIS also confirms the presence of asbestos and contaminated fill, yet relies heavily on future management plans rather than demonstrating mitigation now.

6. Visual and Urban Design Impacts
The Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) relies on selective viewpoints and excludes meaningful assessment from the most affected residential properties.
The EIS states that visual impacts range from “nil to low,” yet:

The building exceeds height limits by 10.3m

The massing is concentrated toward the centre and west, but still visible from homes

The eastern façade faces directly toward residential areas and bushland

The VIA does not reflect the lived experience of residents whose homes back directly onto the site.

7. Social and Community Impacts
The EIS claims the project will deliver “positive social impacts,” yet:
Only 26 operational jobs will be created
The facility provides no community services, amenities, or public access
The development will increase noise, pollution, traffic, and visual bulk
Property values in the immediate area are likely to be negatively affected

The Social Impact Assessment does not meaningfully address these issues.

We have also not been informed how these data centres will be used. Recent media reports have stated that 70-80% of the revenue generated by these data centres will be leaving the NSW economy into other global players pockets.

8. Poor and misleading engagement with residents to this point and the increase threat of chronic illness and childhood leukemia.
Across the local community it has become apparent that some people have received more communication than others during the planning stages. No general notifications have been posted in the local streets or around the nearby Blackman Park facility.
Early briefing sessions were also misleading when I recall a question raised about the increase of EMF radiation in the local area it was simply met with “There will be no effect” this is very misleading and scientifically false, yet convenient to tell the local community at the time.

9. Potential health risk - increase threat of chronic illness and childhood leukemia
Science has posted many articles that discuss epidemiological studies reporting associations between chronic residential exposure and an increased risk of childhood leukemia with increased EMF levels.
Although Data Centre specific studies are limited the power usage is increasing and thus so will EMF radiation – this needs to be considered a very serious health risk that is not yet fully understood and not adequately covered in the EIS.


 
The Project Mars Data Centre presents unacceptable environmental, amenity, infrastructure, and social impacts that have not been adequately assessed or mitigated. The proposal is fundamentally incompatible with its proximity to low‑density residential areas, a primary school, community playing fields and sensitive bushland.

Given the significant unresolved risks, including water and power capacity, diesel generator emissions, noise impacts, and the excessive height variation, I respectfully request that the Department refuse the application.

Should the Department consider approval, it must require a complete reassessment of:

• Generator noise and cumulative air quality impacts
• Infrastructure feasibility (Sydney Water, Ausgrid)
• Low‑frequency noise modelling
• Residential visual impact
• Updated technology options for cooling and backup power
• Full cumulative impact assessment across Lane Cove West
• Continuous EMF and health studies done in the local area to ensure that in operation these levels remain safe to residents.
• A plan to enhance the value being delivered to the local community and especially the nearby residents. Acknowledging and being totally transparent with disruptions and providing plans to support them and the local businesses during this time.

As a state government elected to act in the best interests of your community, I trust that bringing this matter to your attention provides the visibility needed to review the specifics of this application. Until these issues are fully resolved, the project should not proceed.

Yours sincerely,
Christian Dalle Nogare
44 Wood Street
Lane Cove West NSW 2066

We already have one huge data centre we can see from our apartment - construction noise is loud, the lights are so bright at night - we don't need to see another one. This area is becoming a rapidly growing cluster for data centres and it is too close to residential areas.
We have concerns about noise (during and after constuction), air quality, envornmental impact and infrastructure inadequacy/pressure (water especially). We don't want to see another data centre here driving the price of property down. It is also very close to LCWP School.
I object to this proposal.

I am writing to formally express my support for the proposed Project Mars Data Centre development in Lane Cove West. As a resident of Lane Cove, I believe this project represents a sophisticated use of industrial land that aligns with the future of the New South Wales economy while maintaining a respectful footprint on our local environment.
My support is based on the following key pillars:
1. Minimal Environmental Impact
Data centres are uniquely suited to the Lane Cove West industrial area because they are "good neighbors." Unlike traditional manufacturing or logistics hubs, this facility will generate:
Negligible Noise and Air Pollution: Modern data centres operate with sophisticated cooling systems and backup power solutions designed to meet strict environmental standards, ensuring no disruption to the surrounding community.
Low Traffic Intensity: Once operational, the facility requires a specialized but small on-site workforce, significantly reducing the heavy vehicle movements often associated with industrial sites.
Modern Sustainability Standards: Project Mars represents a "next-generation" build, utilizing high-efficiency Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) ratios and water-saving technologies that far exceed the performance of older industrial warehouses.
2. Strengthening the Digital Economy
In an era where digital infrastructure is as essential as roads and rail, this project secures Sydney’s position as a premier tech hub.
Infrastructure Resilience: By localizing data storage and processing power, Project Mars enhances the speed and reliability of digital services for businesses and residents across the state.
Sovereign Capability: Investing in local data centres ensures that NSW remains competitive in the global digital landscape, supporting everything from cloud computing to the expansion of AI technologies.
3. Workforce and Economic Benefits
The project offers a dual-phase boost to the local economy:
Construction Phase: The development will create hundreds of immediate jobs for tradespeople and contractors, providing a direct stimulus to the regional economy.
Long-term High-Value Employment: Once complete, the centre will require skilled engineers, cybersecurity experts, and operations managers. This fosters a specialized workforce within Lane Cove West, attracting high-income earners to the area.
4. Appropriate Site Selection
The choice of Lane Cove West is strategically sound. By situating the facility within an established industrial precinct, the project ensures:
Compatibility: The scale and function of the building are consistent with the existing character of the zone.
Buffer Zones: The site provides natural separation from residential areas, ensuring that the development can operate 24/7 without impacting the amenity of the Lane Cove community.
Conclusion
Project Mars is a forward-thinking development that balances economic ambition with environmental sensitivity. It replaces dated industrial utility with a clean, high-tech asset that will serve the NSW community for decades to come. I strongly urge the Department to approve this application.

Residents of Banksia Close have already endured 15 months of disruption from water infrastructure works associated with a nearby data centre. We have a right to know whether this development will cause the same or greater impacts, and that information has not been provided in this application.

On these grounds, I formally object to the approval of Development Application SSD-82052708 in its current form.

Previous submission did not include the details from the report "HDR Infrastructure Delivery, Management and Staging Plan (Appendix KK) ". This is a new submission based on this information.

Residents of Banksia Close have already borne the cost of 15 months of disruption from water infrastructure works for a neighbouring data centre. Sydney Water's own documents, included in this application, confirm that the existing network has limited capacity to serve this new development and that further works may be required. The application does not tell us what those works are, where they will occur, or what the impact on residents will be.

I am writing to lodge my strongest objection to the proposed "Project Mars" industrial data centre next to Blackman Park (SSD-82052708). This is an inappropriate location for a major industrial facility that will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, directly adjacent to a low-rise residential area and a local school.

My objection is based on the following critical grounds:


Inappropriate Scale and Height Blow-out: The proposed building height of 28.3 metres represents a 57% exceedance of local planning controls. This massive, 22,000 square metre industrial block is entirely out of scale with the surrounding neighborhood and will dominate the skyline above Blackman Park.


Severe Environmental and Safety Risks: The proposal includes the on-site storage of over 1 million litres of diesel and 194,000 kg of lithium batteries. Storing such vast quantities of hazardous and flammable materials less than 50 metres from homes and 160 metres from a school is a reckless disregard for community safety.


24/7 Noise and Air Pollution: Unlike residential buildings, this data centre will require 49 diesel generators and constant industrial cooling equipment. The resulting constant background noise and emissions will severely impact the health and sleep of local residents and the learning environment of the nearby school.


Loss of Green Space and Biodiversity: The project requires the removal of 90 trees and significant excavation. This loss of canopy, combined with the removal of asbestos and the vibration from a three-year construction period, will cause irreparable harm to local wildlife and the amenity of Blackman Park.


Infrastructure Strain: The "huge daily water use" and requirements for significant water infrastructure upgrades suggest that this facility will place an undue burden on local utilities that were never intended to support heavy industrial operations in a residential precinct.

Conclusion and Call for Review

I urge the Department of Planning to refuse this application. Approval would set a dangerous precedent for allowing major industrial facilities to be built in close proximity to sensitive recreational and residential spaces.

Furthermore, there must be a review of the state policies that allow such high-impact industrial projects to bypass local council oversight. The planning system should protect the health and safety of communities, not facilitate the placement of high-risk industrial plants in the heart of residential neighborhoods for corporate gain.

This is a horrible idea because people come to Blackman park because it is peaceful and dog friendly. While being built, Blackman park will be loud and disruptive. Not only that but there is school that is supposed to be where learning happens but many younger ones will get distracted by the noise! For people who live too far too walk to school, they have to rely on driving and if there is no where to park where can they drop their children off? Also, many species of wildlife live here and there is some likely to be endangered! I object to this project.

I have seen nothing but horrible things about data centres being near residential properties. I have strong concerns about water usage, noise pollution and traffic conditions. A data centre is also a fire risk and bright next to Blackman Park, Lane Cove National eing not only in Lane Cove (one of the greenest Northern Suburbs), it is Park and the community nursery. This absolutely should not be allowed to be developed in this location for residents and environmental impacts.

The proximity of this project, alongside cumulative data centre projects within such a small geographical area is deeply concerning. The size and scale of an industrial facility that runs 24hrs a day and is so close to the community and importantly a school and local park. There will be construction impacts over an extended period, noise and light pollution impacting native wildlife, traffic, native wildlife and vegetation loss, and infrastructure demand.

I'm a resident of Lane Cove West and a parent with children currently enrolled at Lane Cove West Public School and Nicky's Kids Town, two sensitive receptors affected by this project. I'm writing in response to the EIS for the proposed Project Mars Data Centre at 12 Mars Road.

I've read the Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (Appendix U, SLR, February 2026) and the Air Quality Impact Assessment (Appendix T, SLR, December 2025). I'm not opposed to this development and I understand what's driving demand for data centres and I accept the modelling that shows the running facility won't cause significant noise or air quality issues at the school's distance. That's genuinely reassuring.

My concerns are more specific, and they're about what happens during construction. I've identified two gaps in the assessments that I think need to be addressed as enforceable conditions of consent, not left to management plans to be written later.

1. Construction noise during school hours
The Noise and Vibration Impact Assessment (Table 32) predicts that noise during demolition and hard rock excavation will exceed the 55 dB LAeq school classroom limit by up to 10 dB when the noisiest equipment is working closest to the school boundary. The school is identified at approximately 150 metres from the site, which is close enough that this matters.

What I can't find anywhere in the report is any specific protection for the primary school day. Standard construction hours run from 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday. The only school-related scheduling consideration mentioned is avoiding HSC exam periods. There's nothing about Lane Cove West Public School's day: 8:30am to 3:30pm, Monday to Friday, when hundreds of children are in classrooms and outside on the oval and in Blackman Park.

I'd also ask the Department to consider the impact on neurodivergent children, those with ADHD, autism, or sensory processing sensitivities. For these children, sustained background noise isn't just a distraction. It can be a source of chronic stress that makes it harder to regulate, concentrate, and learn. Our son is currently being evaluated for anxiety and sensory sensitivities including around sound. We don't yet have answers, but the prospect of him spending his first years of school against a constant backdrop of construction noise, through what will be a critical window for learning and settling into school life, is something I can't set aside.

The report says a Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan will be prepared later. I'd feel a lot more comfortable if specific protections were locked in now, as conditions of consent, rather than left for the developer to determine after approval.

I'm asking for the following as conditions of consent:
The CNVMP must identify Lane Cove West Public School as a sensitive receiver requiring its own management approach, separate from residential receivers.High-impact works predicted to exceed the 55 dB school classroom limit such as demolition, vegetation clearing, hard rock excavation to be restricted during school hours (8:30am–3:30pm, Monday to Friday, during school terms).Where noisy works genuinely can't be rescheduled, the school principal must be notified in advance and given a direct contact for escalation.The Operational Noise Management Plan to commit to scheduling backup generator testing outside school hours, with advance notice to the school community.Noise monitoring at the school boundary during high-impact phases, with publicly available results and defined thresholds for stopping work.

2. Construction dust - my son has asthma
The Air Quality Impact Assessment includes the school as receptor R26, about 300 metres from the site. As I said, I accept the operational emissions at that distance aren't a significant concern and the report makes a reasonable case for that.

My concern is with how the construction dust assessment handles the school specifically, and I want to explain why it's not an abstract worry for me.

My five-year-old son just started kindergarten at Lane Cove West Public School this year. He has asthma, triggered by viruses and allergens, and has been hospitalised during acute episodes. I want to be honest: I don't know whether construction dust will trigger his asthma. That's exactly the problem. If it turns out that sustained exposure to demolition dust is a factor for him, there's nothing I can do about it. He can't move his classroom. He can't skip recess. He'll be at that school, outside, every day for the duration of a construction programme that could run for years. By the time we know whether it's a problem, the damage is already done. 
The report applies a uniform low sensitivity classification to all receptors, in that the school is treated the same as the industrial land next door. The methodology the report draws on actually notes that schools and hospitals, as high-occupancy sensitive-use buildings, warrant different treatment. Children are a recognised vulnerable population. Their lungs are still developing. Many have pre-existing respiratory conditions. The "negligible residual risk" conclusion in the report flows directly from that low classification. I am worried that a change of the classification would change that conclusion too.

The construction phase is rated as large dust emission magnitude (720,000m³ building volume), with demolition and earthworks rated medium. The report says residual risk will be negligible provided a Dust Management Plan is in place, but I could not find this plan in the available documents. There are no specified monitoring locations and no commitment to any monitoring point near the school, for a construction programme that will run for the bulk of my son's primary school years.

I'm asking for the following as conditions of consent:
The school's sensitivity classification (R26) be elevated from low to medium or high in the Dust Management Plan, reflecting children, particularly those with respiratory conditions as a vulnerable population.A dedicated real-time PM10 and PM2.5 monitor at or near the school boundary, running for the full duration of demolition, earthworks, and construction.Results published in near real-time, with defined trigger levels that require work to stop or dust suppression to be applied immediately.High-dust activities restricted during school hours, or subject to enhanced suppression measures confirmed before school opens each morning.The school principal notified directly before any high-dust phase begins, with a clear escalation path for complaints.A note on deferred management plans: Both reports reference management plans: the CNVMP and the DMP as documents to be prepared after consent is granted. To the extent these weren't included in the exhibited material, I'm concerned that the protections which matter most to the school community will be written by the proponent after approval, with no meaningful ability for residents to influence them.
I'd ask the Department to set the key conditions related to school-hours restrictions and monitoring locations now, in the consent, rather than leaving them to be resolved later.

I want to be a reasonable voice in this process. I've tried to go through the actual documents, accept what looks sound, and focus on what I think genuinely needs attention. What I'm asking for isn't radical, it's just that a primary school full of young children gets particularly careful consideration, and that the protections are real and enforceable, not promised for later.

Thank you for your time.

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed development of the large-scale industrial data centre adjacent to Blackman Park.

Based on the publicly circulated information, I have several significant concerns regarding the suitability of this development in such close proximity to residential properties, a local school, and public recreational space.

1. Incompatible Land Use and Proximity to Sensitive Uses
The proposal indicates a facility exceeding 22,000m² and up to 33 metres in height, located less than 50 metres from homes and 160 metres from a school. This scale and intensity of industrial use is fundamentally incompatible with the surrounding residential and community environment. The placement raises serious concerns regarding amenity, safety, and long-term planning precedent.

2. Noise Impacts (Construction and Operation)
The development is described as operating 24/7, with constant background noise from equipment and generators. This would materially impact the quiet enjoyment of nearby homes and recreational areas, including Blackman Park. Additionally, the estimated three-year construction period (Monday to Saturday) will generate prolonged noise, vibration, and disruption.

3. Air Quality and Environmental Risk
The proposal includes 49 diesel generators and the storage of over 1 million litres of diesel fuel. This presents a clear risk of air pollution and emissions, particularly concerning given the proximity to residential dwellings and a school. The potential cumulative impact on local air quality has not been adequately addressed.

4. Hazardous Materials and Safety Concerns
The storage of large quantities of diesel and lithium batteries (noted as approximately 194,000 kg) raises concerns regarding fire risk, hazardous material management, and emergency response capability in a densely populated area. The removal of asbestos during construction further heightens health risks if not managed with extreme care.

5. Traffic and Local Infrastructure Strain
Construction activities are expected to significantly increase traffic and create parking pressures over an extended period. Furthermore, the proposal references substantial water infrastructure upgrades to support high daily usage, indicating a heavy ongoing demand on local utilities.

6. Environmental Degradation and Loss of Green Space
The removal of approximately 90 trees and associated habitat will negatively impact local biodiversity and reduce green space amenity. This is particularly concerning given the site's proximity to Blackman Park, which serves as an important recreational and environmental asset.

7. Precedent for Future Development
Approval of a major industrial facility in this location risks setting a precedent for further encroachment of similar developments into residential and recreational zones, undermining long-term planning integrity.

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Conclusion
Given the scale, operational intensity, environmental risks, and incompatibility with surrounding land uses, I strongly object to this proposal in its current form. I respectfully request that the application be refused, or at minimum, subject to significantly more rigorous assessment, redesign, and community consultation.

Yours sincerely,

OBJECTION TO STATE SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION SSD-82052708

Project Mars Data Centre, 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West

I am a resident in the vicinity of 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West and write to formally object to the proposed Goodman data centre development. While I accept that digital infrastructure has a role to play in the modern economy, this proposal is the wrong development in the wrong location, and the impacts on our community have been seriously underweighted in how it has been presented.

1. BULK, SCALE AND HEIGHT ARE INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE SURROUNDING AREA
The proposed buildings reach up to 28.3 metres in height, on a site that sits immediately next to R2 Low Density Residential zoning to the east and public recreational land to the south. The Lane Cove LEP 2008 sets an 18 metre height limit for this precinct. The applicant is seeking a Clause 4.6 variation to exceed that limit by more than 57% in certain areas.
The justification is that the sloping topography of the site makes the excess height unavoidable. This is not convincing. The slope of the land is not a surprise. It is a known characteristic of the site that any competent developer would assess before proceeding. Topographic challenges are part of designing a building, not a reason to override planning controls that exist to protect the people who live nearby. Residents in this area have always had a reasonable expectation that the height limit would be respected. This proposal asks the community to simply accept a near-30-metre industrial structure looming over a low-density neighbourhood because the developer finds the alternative less commercially attractive.

2. NOISE WILL BE CONSTANT AND THERE IS NO MITIGATION FOR THAT FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEM
This facility will operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, indefinitely. The mechanical cooling systems required for a data centre of this size generate continuous noise from fans, chillers, cooling towers and associated plant. Unlike a warehouse or logistics facility, there is no overnight quiet period and no weekend. The noise never stops.
The Department's own additional assessment requirements specifically call out the need to evaluate "tonality and dominant low-frequency content" from the plant and equipment. That requirement exists because the Department recognises that this type of noise is particularly problematic for nearby residents. Low frequency noise passes through walls and windows. It disturbs sleep. It is very difficult to mitigate after a building is constructed.
On top of the continuous operational noise, the facility requires large diesel back-up generators capable of powering up to 90 MVA of load. These generators require regular testing. Residents near a quiet suburban street will be subjected to the noise profile of heavy industrial generators on a recurring basis, with limited ability to predict when that will occur. Locating the generators on the western boundary provides some separation, but at this scale, there is no guarantee that attenuation will be sufficient to protect residential amenity on the eastern side of the site.
3. DIESEL EXHAUST EMISSIONS ADJACENT TO HOMES, PARKLAND AND A COMMUNITY NURSERY
The back-up generators require substantial diesel storage and will produce exhaust emissions during both testing and any actual power failure events. The Lane Cove Community Nursery is explicitly identified in the Department's additional requirements as a receiver that needs specific consideration. This is a facility used by families and children. Blackman Park to the south is used by the community for recreation year round.
The applicant describes generator use as relating to "unlikely emergency power failure events." For a facility of this scale and criticality, regular generator testing is not optional. It is a compliance requirement. Framing it as an unlikely emergency understates what residents will actually experience. Diesel exhaust in a residential and recreational setting is not an acceptable ongoing impact, regardless of how infrequently the applicant claims it will occur.
4. THE THERMAL IMPACT ON THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT HAS BEEN DOWNPLAYED
A data centre consuming up to 81 megawatts of power rejects an enormous quantity of waste heat into the surrounding environment. The Department has required the EIS to specifically evaluate the impact of that heat rejection on habitable rooms and communal open spaces, including those on neighbouring properties. That requirement was added because the standard assessment framework was not considered sufficient on its own. That should concern residents.
Blackman Park and the streets around the site are used by the community throughout the year, including during Sydney summers which are already becoming more intense. The localised heat impact of a facility of this size on the surrounding microclimate is a real and material concern, not a theoretical one. It will affect how liveable this neighbourhood is for the people who have chosen to make it their home.
5. THIS SITE IS NOT APPROPRIATE FOR A DEVELOPMENT OF THIS INTENSITY
Lane Cove West is a small industrial precinct. It is not an isolated industrial corridor with large buffers and separation distances. It is surrounded on multiple sides by people's homes, public parks and community facilities. Data centres at this scale, with this level of power consumption and this profile of environmental impacts, are being built in outer metropolitan areas and purpose-designed precincts precisely because those locations provide the space and separation that a facility like this requires.
Goodman is an experienced and well-resourced developer. They had the option to pursue this project in a location that would not impose these impacts on an established residential community. The decision to proceed here reflects a commercial calculation about land values. That commercial interest should not take priority over the amenity and wellbeing of the people who live here.
6. CONSTRUCTION WILL BE DISRUPTIVE FOR YEARS
The construction phase involves demolishing four existing buildings, bulk excavating a large and significantly sloping site, and constructing three substantial new buildings. The applicant estimates 500 construction jobs, which means sustained heavy vehicle movements through a residential area for what will be a multi-year programme. All vehicle access is via Mars Road with three proposed crossovers. The surrounding streets were not designed to absorb this level of construction traffic over an extended period.
7. THE COMMUNITY HAS NOT HAD A GENUINE OPPORTUNITY TO ENGAGE
The applicant's own pre-development application confirms they had not engaged with the Department before lodging their request for SEARs. The public exhibition runs for approximately six weeks and involves a large and complex set of documents. Six weeks is not enough time for a community to meaningfully engage with a 48-document EIS for a development of this scale and complexity.
The fact that the Department added specific additional requirements around consultation with Lane Cove Council regarding the Community Nursery suggests that even the regulator was not satisfied that adequate groundwork had been done before lodgement. Residents deserve a genuine process, not a statutory minimum.
CONCLUSION
My objection is not to data centres in principle. My objection is to this development, at this scale, in this location. The people who live near this site will bear the noise, the heat, the diesel emissions, the overshadowing and the construction disruption permanently. The applicant will not. I urge the Department to refuse this application or at minimum require substantial redesign to reduce the height, scale and operational impact to a level that is genuinely compatible with the surrounding community.

Please consider the families who live in this suburb, the children who learn at Lane Cove West, the people who enjoy Blackman Park for the fun, safe and communal space it is. Anyone who participates in the building of this data centre is making it clear that they value the bank accounts of billionaires over hundreds of people’s lives, as well as the many plants and animals that will suffer if this project goes through. May this weigh on your conscience.

To whom it may concern,

I am writing to formally object, in the strongest possible terms, to the proposed mega data centre adjacent to Blackman Park in Lane Cove West.

While I acknowledge the site sits within an industrial zoning, this location is fundamentally inappropriate for a development of this scale and intensity. It is positioned directly at the interface with dense residential housing. This is not a setting that can absorb a 24-hour, high-impact facility without serious and ongoing consequences for the surrounding community. Developments of this nature need to be located well away from densely populated suburban areas, not placed immediately beside them.

The surrounding environment is already under considerable strain. Residents are living beneath a constant flight path, alongside major arterial roads, and in close proximity to existing industrial uses. The cumulative effect of noise, traffic and pollution is already significant. Adding a large data centre into this mix will only intensify these impacts to an unacceptable level.

The proximity to homes and to Lane Cove West Public School is deeply concerning. This is a family-oriented area, where children walk to school and use local parks daily. The approval of a major industrial facility of this nature, so close to both residences and a primary school, raises serious questions about how community wellbeing is being prioritised in the planning process.

Blackman Park is not the only green space in the area, but it is the primary and most heavily used open space for local residents. It is central to community life. Positioning a continuously operating data centre directly adjacent to this park will inevitably diminish its amenity. The constant mechanical noise associated with cooling systems and backup infrastructure will alter the experience of the park and the broader neighbourhood in a lasting way.

Claims that data centres are “low impact” do not align with the reality of their operation. These are large-scale facilities that run 24 hours a day, generating continuous background noise that carries, particularly at night. In an already noisy environment, this additional layer of constant industrial sound is not minor, it is cumulative and deeply intrusive.

There are also serious concerns regarding traffic and infrastructure. Works already undertaken for another nearby data centre have resulted in local roads being dug up to install new water infrastructure, causing disruption, damage and ongoing inconvenience. This has already had a tangible impact on residents. The introduction of another facility of this scale will only compound these issues, further degrading local roads and increasing heavy vehicle movement in streets not designed for it.

On a personal level, the implications are significant. We are already considering whether we can continue living in our home if this development proceeds. More concerningly, we would seriously reconsider sending our son to Lane Cove West Public School due to the proximity of this facility and the unknown long-term impacts of noise and environmental exposure. No family should be placed in a position where they feel they must uproot their lives or change their child’s schooling because of a development like this.

This proposal places an excessive burden on an already impacted community. It is not simply a matter of zoning, but of appropriateness, scale, and proximity to dense housing and key community assets. In its current location, it is entirely unsuitable and should not be approved. Facilities of this nature need to be located well away from established suburban areas where their impacts can be properly managed.

I strongly urge the consent authority to reject this application.

Sincerely,
Lily Cumberland

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed industrial data centre development (Project Mars, SSD-82052708) adjacent to Blackman Park in Lane Cove.

While I understand the growing need for digital infrastructure, I have serious concerns about the suitability of this particular location given its proximity to residential homes, a public school, and valued community green space.

My key concerns are as follows:

1. Proximity to Residential Areas and School
The proposal places a large-scale industrial facility less than 50 metres from homes and approximately 160 metres from a public school. This is not an appropriate interface between heavy infrastructure and sensitive land uses, particularly for children and families.

2. Scale and Overdevelopment
At approximately 22,000m² and up to 28.3 metres in height, the building significantly exceeds typical expectations for the area. The scale appears excessive and out of character with the surrounding environment.

3. Noise Impacts (Construction and Ongoing)
The project involves:
- Up to three years of construction activity, including demolition and excavation
- Ongoing 24/7 operation with constant background noise from plant and equipment

This raises serious concerns about long-term amenity impacts for nearby residents and the learning environment of the school.

4. Air Quality and Emissions
The inclusion of 49 diesel generators and the storage of large volumes of diesel fuel presents potential air quality and health risks. Emissions from generator testing and operation are particularly concerning given the proximity to homes and children.

5. Environmental Impact and Loss of Trees
The removal of approximately 90 trees, along with broader habitat disruption, will negatively impact local biodiversity and reduce valuable green space. This contradicts broader environmental and urban greening objectives.

6. Traffic and Safety Impacts
Construction and ongoing operations are likely to increase heavy vehicle movements, exacerbating traffic congestion and creating safety concerns in a residential area frequently used by families and school children.

7. Precedent for Future Development
Approving this development risks setting a precedent for further industrial-scale projects in close proximity to residential and recreational areas, which would significantly alter the character of the community.

Given the above concerns, I respectfully request that this proposal be reconsidered or relocated to a more appropriate industrial zone, away from residential neighbourhoods and community facilities.

Thank you for considering this submission.

Yours sincerely,
Oliver Hodges

1) Position
This submission raises material concerns regarding the proposed development.
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2) Key Issues That May Preclude Approval
A. Grid Capacity and Infrastructure Constraints
• The proposed ~90MW load is substantial and sits within an emerging data centre cluster.
• There is a credible risk of:
o grid instability
o reduced reliability for surrounding residential and commercial users
• Approval should not proceed without demonstrated firm capacity and network resilience, including cumulative demand impacts.
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B. Cumulative Noise Impacts (Critical)
• The site is in close proximity (~50–100m) to residential areas.
• Noise modelling must consider:
o 24/7 plant operations
o night-time conditions (most sensitive period)
o cumulative impact from existing and approved nearby data centres
If compliance with NSW noise criteria cannot be demonstrated under cumulative scenarios, the project should not be approved.
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C. Air Quality and Diesel Backup Systems
• The proposal includes diesel generators and fuel storage for backup power.
• Concerns include:
o localised air quality impacts during testing and outages
o cumulative emissions from clustered facilities
• Approval should be contingent on strict emissions compliance and demonstrated negligible health impact.
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D. Strategic Planning and Precedent Risk
• The proposal contributes to a concentrated data centre cluster in Lane Cove West.
• This raises broader issues:
o lack of clear strategic framework for clustering
o long-term land use conflict with adjacent residential and recreational areas
The Committee should consider whether this proposal sets an undesirable precedent absent a defined state policy.
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3) Standard Impacts Requiring Mitigation
A. Construction Impacts
• Multi-year construction phase involving demolition and excavation
• Likely impacts:
o heavy vehicle movements on Mars Road
o congestion near local schools
o noise and dust
Mitigation required:
• traffic management plan aligned with school hours
• strict construction hour limits
• dust and noise controls
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B. Local Traffic and Safety
• Increased heavy vehicle presence during construction
• Ongoing servicing traffic post-completion
Mitigation required:
• road capacity validation
• safety measures for pedestrians and school zones
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C. Visual Bulk and Impact on Blackman Park
• Large-scale industrial form adjacent to parkland and residential areas
• Likely to alter the character and amenity of Blackman Park
Mitigation required:
• height and bulk minimisation
• landscaping and visual screening
• sensitive lighting design
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D. Ongoing Noise and Amenity
• Continuous operational noise from cooling systems and plant
• Potential intermittent generator testing
Mitigation required:
• enforceable operational noise limits
• real-time monitoring and compliance reporting
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4) Conclusion
The proposal raises material unresolved risks in relation to:
• grid capacity
• cumulative noise
• air quality
• strategic clustering impacts
Unless these issues are conclusively addressed, the project should not proceed.
If approved, it should be subject to strict, enforceable conditions addressing construction, noise, traffic, and visual impacts.
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I strongly object to the proposed Project Mars Data Centre being built next to Blackman Park in Lane Cove West. This development is far too close to homes, a local school, and an important community green space. I am deeply concerned about the long-term noise, air pollution, traffic, environmental damage, removal of trees, and the risks associated with diesel storage, generators, lithium batteries, and asbestos removal. Blackman Park is a valuable recreational and natural area for local families, children, and wildlife, and this proposal would seriously reduce the safety, amenity, and character of the neighbourhood.