Project Mars Data Centre

[PERSONAL DETAILS REDACTED]

I object to this application in its entirety and ask that it be refused.
My submission is in the attached PDF.

I object to the proposed data centre at 12 Mars Road! love social media and obvs use AI, but really, do we need to have so many data centres in one area – especially when we have a country that is prone to drought – where is all this water coming from?
I have a long life ahead of me and do not want to see desal plants and other types of water ‘solutions’ that have not been investigated for the long term effects (just like the data centres).
Think about it – where is water usually available, where can we put these noisy machines, so they don’t hurt the local wildlife, families, students, people sleep! We are stressed enough – kids learning need sleep.
Use your brains! Or has the thought process been lost to AI already.
Make a plan, have a strategy - data centres and humans (and wildlife) in harmony - ` together – like the Human in the Loop with AI!
Can you please Goodman show me researched, verifiable studies on the long term effects these centres have on the areas surrounding them and the essential services they steal, especially when several are grouped together?
My main concern is the long term impact on the community from noise, the removal of green space, power and water usage. Where will the abundant birdlife of Lane Cove West, nurtured in the surrounding national park, go when they cannot tolerate the loud data centre nearby.
I walk my dog in Blackman, morning and evening and the sounds of the wildlife are superb, it makes you smile to live in a city that has such great areas to allow for the cockatoos, kookaburras even powerful owls to live and play.
The site at 12 Mars Road is only 160 metres from a school – which I went to - and 50 metres from my friends’ homes, and right next to the national park and Blackman Park. Low frequency noise from cooling systems - cooling towers, high capacity fans and chillers - travels further and can go through buildings. Not to mention the 49 diesel engines – which come on, lets be real will be on more than you are admitting to now – won’t they Goodman? This type of noise can reduce cognitive performance, disturb sleep and increase stress, which is especially concerning for students – how am I going to pass year 12 and get into uni if I can’t think.
I get told to get rid of my lithium batteries, keep them outside but hey – its ok for the data centre to store diesel and lithium batteries in a fire zoned area – who cares that there are children living and playing nearby.
This proposal for a data centre at 12 Mars Road is not a suitable use of the land, and the project should not go ahead in its current form.

FORMAL OBJECTION: PROJECT MARS DATA CENTRE
State Significant Development Application: SSD-82052708
Site: 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West NSW | Proponent: Goodman Group | Submitted to: NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure | Date: 3 May 2026
I am a resident in the seat of Lane Cove lodging a formal objection to the proposed Project Mars Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West. I am concerned this 24/7 hyperscale facility is proposed immediately next to homes, Blackman Park and the Lane Cove National Park without assessment and safeguards proportionate to its scale and risk.
What is proposed
The application seeks approval for construction and 24-hour operation of a data centre campus with overall power consumption of about 90MW, involving demolition of existing warehouses, major excavation, vegetation clearing, two large buildings (reported up to 28.3m), and substantial electrical infrastructure and fuel-backed emergency generation.
Key impacts and concerns
Planning and cumulative impacts: As State Significant Development, this proposal removes the local council’s determining role despite the site being within about 50 metres of low-density residential zoning. Project Mars should not be assessed in isolation: the Lane Cove West / North Ryde area is already hosting (or proposing) multiple large data centres. I ask the Department to require a cumulative assessment addressing combined impacts on power reliability, water supply, traffic and construction disruption, noise, air quality, and the ecological corridor connecting local bushland to the Lane Cove National Park.
Environment (National Park, vegetation, pollution): The site adjoins the Lane Cove National Park. A 24/7 industrial facility introduces continuous light, noise and heat at the bushland edge and increases the consequence of any stormwater contamination event in the Lane Cove River catchment. The public material does not clearly quantify vegetation loss or provide an enforceable, local canopy replacement plan; I request full disclosure of trees and vegetation communities to be removed (species, size/age, condition, habitat value) and a like-for-like replacement commitment. Given diesel storage and emergency generation, the assessment must demonstrate robust spill prevention, containment and stormwater treatment for worst-case scenarios, including during storms.
Amenity and health: With homes reported to be about 50 metres from the boundary, persistent plant noise (cooling systems, transformers) and generator testing are likely to affect sleep and daily amenity and should be modelled at residential receivers under worst-case conditions (including outages). Fuel-backed backup generation can emit NOx and fine particulates (PM2.5); this is concerning with nearby sensitive receptors, including a primary school reported to be about 160 metres away, and should be assessed under realistic scenarios including concurrent operation across multiple sites during grid events. Lighting and building bulk will change the outlook from Blackman Park and nearby streets; lighting must minimise spill into parkland, bushland and neighbouring homes. If cooling towers are used, the EIS should include a clear Legionella risk management approach and ongoing compliance obligations.
Infrastructure, climate and resources: The proposal’s scale (about 90MW) raises significant resource and reliability issues. The Department should require transparent modelling of water consumption based on the final cooling design, including measures to minimise potable water use and demonstrate recycled-water options where feasible. The assessment must also show how electricity supply and local reliability will be maintained during peak demand and outages, when backup generation may operate across multiple facilities simultaneously. Waste heat and loss of canopy can worsen local heat impacts; the EIS should quantify these effects and commit to design measures that reduce heat and protect nearby parkland and residences.
What I am asking the Department to do
I ask the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure to refuse consent to SSD-82052708 in its current form due to unacceptable proximity to sensitive receptors and insufficient disclosure and assessment of cumulative, environmental and health impacts.

If the Department proceeds to consider approval, I request—at a minimum—conditions requiring:
• an independent cumulative impact assessment for the wider Lane Cove West / surrounding precinct (power, water, traffic, construction disruption, noise, air quality, ecology);
• an independent ecological assessment (including nocturnal fauna), full disclosure of all vegetation removal, and an enforceable local canopy replacement plan;
• independent acoustic and lighting assessments using final plant/equipment selections, with enforceable limits and real-time monitoring at residential receivers and ecological edges;
• transparent water-use modelling for the final cooling design, with requirements to minimise potable water and demonstrate recycled-water options where feasible; and
• a comprehensive dangerous goods, spill prevention and stormwater treatment plan addressing worst-case scenarios and downstream impacts toward Blackman Park and the Lane Cove River catchment.

This proposal should not proceed unless it can be demonstrated—through independent assessment and enforceable conditions—that it will not cause long-term harm to residents’ amenity and health, or to the Lane Cove National Park and its ecological buffer.

Many kids play at black man park including kids with respiratory diseases the pollution from the diesel generators will significantly impact there health not to mention the data centre will be in the middle of a suburban area with a school less then 160 metres away you can’t smoke near schools but your allowed to have a diesel generators near by this doesn’t make sense. The noise pollution and air pollution is likely to make residents want to move away but with the state of the economy and price of houses this is completely unrealistic for many families, and do I really need to explain why 194,000kg of lithium batteries stored with 1million litres of diesel right in the middle of a suburban area is a bad idea the risk of explosion for one, there is also fire risk and the health risk due to the potential for thermal runway and a fire that starts from lithium batteries is a self sustaining meaning it will rapidly spread to houses before fire fighters will be able to respond and lithium iron fires are difficult to control requiring large amounts of water to cool remaining cells and prevent reignition which can continue for days. If the batteries fail toxic fumes will be realised into a residential area these gases include hydrogen fluoride, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide and hydrogen chloride. And there is the environmental contamination the fire water runoff from such a large scale fire is heavily contaminated with metal such as cobalt, nickel, copper and magnesium and many other toxins this run of with then end up in the nearby lane cove river polluting the waterways and other water supplies. Now if you have ever been to black man park you will know just how busy it gets on the road to enter and exit you will also know how difficult parking why would anyone want to make an already annoying situation worse by adding construction vehicles to the mess. There will also be ongoing noise and dust during the construction due to excessive demolition. Now there is also the risks associated with the removal of asbestos the main factor to consider around this is there is a school, sports ground, and homes nearby meaning that if the removal process isn’t done in the safest manner with no cut corners there is the risk of releasing air born asbestos into the environment and can we really trust the process to be down correctly? why take this risk especially in a residential area. Also why is a large data centre being put into a residential are when there is lots of already vacant land further away from the city and when considering this project think about this quote
“ the future will either be green or not at all”
- bob brown
And for all these reasons I am heavily opposed to the mats data centre

The proposal clearly demonstrates there will be significant loss of native wildlife in the area surrounding Blackman park including bird species, small fauna and contributes to the ecological connectivity of the area.
Persistent noise will be heard from the 24/7 data centres which will impact both park users and nearby residents and add to heat output.
This does not align with the current child focused community spaces of the area. The long term impacts on health and safety need to be considered before setting a precedent for the area to encroach on residential and community spaces.

I strongly object to this proposed development for a number of critical reasons outlined in the attached document. Given the proximity to residential houses, a school and community facilities I request that no consent be granted until the proposed NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the rapid expansion of data centres has been completed.

I OBJECT wholeheartedly to this submission.
The impacts on the environment, health, already stretched resources, community and area are significant.
- excessive drain on resources such as water and power are signficant. We are already in an area with strtechde resources.
- signficant noise increase, the reveberatiosn of so much equipment, including generators is signficant and will impact both physical and mental well being.
- the proposed area is directly adjacent to housing, schools, playing fields, parklands , bushland and works sites so that the detrimental impact of noise pollution, as well as the industrial impacts from the DC are signficant to residents, works, and users of the playing fields.
-there will be significant displacment of existing business and workers from the businesses already in this area.
-the area cannot cope with signficant builds, as all arterial roads are already heavily impacted by traffic
-there have been signficant breaches already by industry regarding noise and and road works with NO alternate access available due the structure of the area.
-The dust and noise pollution of such are build would be excessive is such a buiklt up area
-the project sugests it is not in proxinmity ro sensitive receivers, that is a complete falsehood, and the entire project is based on misconceptions and blatant ommisions
-the volume of water to run and waste from such a DC cannot be properly maintained by the DC, a watch and see approach is incomprehensible.
-the DC is signifcantly bigger than current regualtions
-the current zoning restrictions are suppposed to protect from this oevr development. There has been signficant development in the area with residences, hence the addtional load on infrastruicture, a DC has an excessive load on resources.
-It has been proved abroad that more though and guidance was required before these DC went ahead and these have now frozen due to their signficant impact, why have we not seen signficant review before approving. The almightly dollar for a few, should NOT be more important than health of the many.
-there are many protected species in the adjoining bush that would be impacted.
-it is NOT in the public interest to build the DCs and there have already been significant compliance failures with existing datacentres.
There is so much more to be said.
NO TO DATACENTRES IN LANE COVE OR RESIDENTIAL AREAS PERIOD.

I am writing to express my strong and wholehearted objection to the proposed data centre development. As a member of the community, I believe the environmental, health, and infrastructural impacts of this project are unacceptably high and fundamentally incompatible with the existing area.
My objection is based on the following critical concerns:
1. Excessive Strain on Resources (Power and Water)
Our area already suffers from stretched resources. Data centres are notorious for their immense power and water consumption. The volume of water required for cooling—and the resulting wastewater—cannot be sustainably managed. A "watch and see" approach regarding resource depletion is incomprehensible and puts the local utility security at risk.
2. Proximity to Sensitive Receivers and Noise Pollution
The proposal’s claim that it is not in proximity to sensitive receivers is a blatant falsehood. This site is directly adjacent to housing, schools, playing fields, and parklands. The constant reverberations from massive cooling equipment and backup generators will cause significant noise pollution, detrimental to the physical and mental well-being of residents, students, and workers.
3. Infrastructure and Traffic Congestion
The local arterial roads are already at capacity due to recent residential growth. The area cannot cope with the heavy vehicle traffic required for a build of this scale. Furthermore, the lack of alternative access routes means that the inevitable construction-related road closures and dust pollution will paralyze the community.
4. Zoning and Over-Development
This project significantly exceeds current size regulations and ignores existing zoning protections designed to prevent over-development. While the area has seen growth in housing, the infrastructure was never intended to support the industrial load of a massive data centre.
5. Environmental and Ecological Impact
The site adjoins bushland home to several protected species. The industrial runoff, light pollution, and noise will irreparably damage local biodiversity. Additionally, the displacement of existing small businesses and workers currently operating in the zone will undermine the local economy.
6. Lack of Oversight and Public Interest
Developments of this nature abroad have been frozen due to their catastrophic impacts on local grids and communities. It is alarming that this project is proceeding without a rigorous review of these global failures. Given the history of compliance failures by existing data centres, this project is clearly not in the public interest.
The "almighty dollar" for a few stakeholders should never be prioritised over the health, safety, and resources of the many. I urge the planning authority to reject this proposal in its entirety to protect the future of our community.

RE: FORMAL OBJECTION TO PROPOSED DATA CENTRE
To whom it may concern,
I object to the proposed development at 12 Mars Rd. This proposal represents an over-development of the Lane Cove West Business Park that prioritises industrial scale over the safety and amenity of the local community.
My objection is based on the following critical planning and environmental grounds:
1. Cumulative Impact and Irresponsible Planning
The addition of further data centres to this precinct will create a cluster of high-intensity industrial sites in unacceptable proximity to residential homes and Lane Cove West Public School. I request that this project not be determined until the findings of the current NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into Data Centres are published in September 2026. Approving this before then ignores the broader state-wide strategy currently under review. Furthermore, Goodman has failed to provide adequate direct consultation to the residents most impacted.
2. Impact on Child Learning and Local Education
A projected three-year construction period represents half of a child’s entire primary school life. The persistent noise and vibration from such a large-scale project will severely disrupt the learning environment at Lane Cove West Public School, causing irreparable impact on student concentration and wellbeing.
3. Unacceptable Acoustic Impacts
The noise assessment provided does not adequately address the cumulative low-frequency hum of a 24/7 operation. This ongoing noise and vibration will significantly degrade the quality of life and sleep for residents and will be detrimental to the wildlife corridor along the Lane Cove River and Blackman Park.
4. Air Quality and Health Risks
The proposed reliance on large-scale diesel backup generators poses a major health risk. In a cluster of this size, the emissions and particulate matter will cause adverse air quality impacts for the local community, particularly the vulnerable children at the nearby school.
5. Infrastructure Strain (Energy and Water)
This area already experiences regular power outages. There is no evidence of clear reports from Energy Australia or Sydney Water confirming that the grid and water infrastructure can support this massive demand without compromising the reliability of services for existing residents.
6. Loss of Amenity and Opportunity Cost
The proposed building height (up to 33m) is completely out of character with the area and will result in the loss of vital trees and green buffers. Furthermore, data centres provide very few local jobs relative to their footprint; this development represents a significant opportunity cost for land that could instead support employment-intensive industries that benefit our local economy.
For these reasons, I believe the proposal is unsuitable for this site and should be refused.

To Whom it May Concern,

I am writing to formally object to State Significant Development Application SSD-82052708 for the proposed Project Mars Data Centre in the Lane Cove local government area.

As a nearby resident, I have serious concerns about the suitability of this development within a predominantly residential setting, particularly given its proximity to local parks and schools. A project of this scale and intensity is fundamentally incompatible with the character, safety and wellbeing of the surrounding community.

My key concerns are as follows:

First, the scale and continuous 24-hour operation of a 90MW data centre raises significant concerns regarding noise pollution. The constant operation of cooling systems, backup generators and associated infrastructure is likely to result in persistent ambient noise, which will negatively impact residents’ quality of life, sleep, and overall wellbeing.

Second, I am deeply concerned about the potential health implications associated with such a facility. The long-term exposure to industrial-scale infrastructure, including noise, emissions, and possible electromagnetic effects, has not been sufficiently addressed in a way that provides confidence or reassurance to the local community.

Third, the substantial water consumption required to operate a facility of this nature raises serious environmental concerns. At a time when water conservation is critical, the allocation of large volumes of water to support a single industrial development appears irresponsible and unsustainable, particularly in a residential area.

Finally, I believe this proposal represents an inappropriate use of land so close to homes, schools, and community spaces. Developments of this scale should be located within appropriately zoned industrial areas, not embedded within established residential communities.

I strongly urge the Department to carefully reconsider this application and to prioritise the health, safety, and wellbeing of local residents. Should this development proceed and result in adverse impacts, I will be actively seeking accountability for the decision to approve it.

Thank you for considering my objection.

Yours sincerely,
Debbie

I am a resident of Lane Cove West and a parent of children attending Lane Cove West Public School. I am submitting the attached letter of objection to the above application.
I have withheld my name from this submission for privacy reasons. However, I am willing to be contacted by the Department in relation to this submission via the contact details provided in my Planning Portal account.

I am writing to you with a sense of profound alarm and desperation regarding the rapid, unchecked proliferation of data centre proposals in Lane Cove West. We are standing at a precipice, and if the government does not act immediately to halt this industrial onslaught, the damage to our suburb’s infrastructure and natural heritage will be catastrophic and irreversible.

The scale of these developments represents a clear and present danger to our community’s survival in the following critical areas:

1. The Death of Our Fragile Bushland
Lane Cove West is defined by its proximity to Stringybark Creek and our precious bushland corridors. These data centres are not "clean" industries; they are concrete monoliths that create massive urban heat islands. The encroachment on our remaining green canopy is suffocating local biodiversity. We are trading our oxygen-producing lungs and wildlife habitats for windowless bunkers that offer zero aesthetic or ecological value to the residents who live here.

2. A Systemic Threat to Our Power Grid
These facilities are "energy vampires." The sheer volume of electricity required to power and cool these sites is staggering, threatening the stability of the local grid. At a time when energy costs are soaring and the transition to renewables is fragile, allowing Lane Cove West to become a high-voltage industrial hub puts every local household at risk of instability and rising costs. We are prioritizing the needs of multinational servers over the basic needs of the people you represent.

3. The Depletion of Our Water Reserves
It is a terrifying reality that a single large-scale data centre can consume millions of litres of potable water every day for evaporative cooling. In a country defined by water scarcity, this is an indefensible theft of a public resource. To allow more of these facilities to be built is to invite a future where our water security is compromised to cool the hardware of private corporations.

4. Zero Benefit, Total Loss
Unlike other industries, these data centres provide almost no local employment once constructed. They offer nothing to our local economy while demanding everything from our infrastructure.

This is a dire turning point for Lane Cove. If you continue to approve these proposals, you are presiding over the permanent industrialization of a residential sanctuary.

I demand that the Government implements an immediate moratorium on all new data centre applications and conducts an urgent, independent cumulative impact study on our water, power, and bushland. History will not look kindly on a Government that traded our environment and resource security for a landscape of concrete and cooling fans.

Dear Sir/Madam,

Re: Submission – Objection to Proposed Project Mars Data Centre Development SSD-82052708

I am writing to formally object to the proposed data centre development located approximately 80 metres from my residence.

While I acknowledge the role of data infrastructure, the scale, intensity, and nature of this proposal will result in significant and unacceptable impacts on residential amenity, safety, and the local environment, which have not been adequately addressed.

1. Unacceptable Noise Impacts (24/7 Operation)

The proposal involves continuous, 24-hour operation of mechanical plant, including cooling systems, as well as periodic operation of backup generators.

Given the proximity to my residence, this raises serious concerns regarding:

* Continuous background mechanical noise, particularly at night
* Low-frequency hum and tonal noise from plant equipment
* Noise associated with generator testing and emergency operation

These impacts are likely to result in a material loss of residential amenity, including sleep disturbance, and are inconsistent with applicable NSW noise guidelines and planning objectives.

2. Excessive Bulk, Scale and Visual Impact

The development comprises three buildings with a maximum height of 28.3 metres, which is excessive in the context of nearby residential properties.

The proposal will:

* Visually dominate the surrounding area
* Result in significant bulk and scale impacts
* Create an industrial character inconsistent with nearby residential uses

The insufficient transition between this large-scale infrastructure and surrounding dwellings represents poor planning outcomes.

3. Safety Risks – Batteries, Diesel Storage and Substation

The inclusion of lithium-ion battery storage systems, diesel fuel storage, backup generators, and an on-site substation,introduces substantial safety risks in close proximity to residential dwellings.

Key concerns include:

* Fire risk associated with lithium-ion battery systems
* Storage and handling of significant volumes of diesel fuel
* Potential for hazardous incidents or system failures
* Adequacy of emergency response and evacuation measures

Given the proximity (80 metres), the proposal exposes nearby residents to unacceptable levels of risk.

4. Air Quality and Health Impacts

Backup generators and diesel storage raise concerns regarding:

* Emissions during testing and emergency use
* Potential impacts on local air quality
* Odour and particulate matter affecting nearby residents

These impacts have not been sufficiently mitigated given the proximity to housing.

5. Traffic and Construction Impacts

The construction and ongoing operation of the facility will generate:

* Heavy vehicle movements
* Construction noise and disruption
* Potential impacts on local road safety

These impacts will further reduce the amenity of the area over an extended period.

6. Inadequate Consideration of Residential Amenity

Overall, the proposal fails to appropriately consider the cumulative impacts on nearby residents, including:

* Noise
* Visual intrusion
* Safety risks
* Loss of quiet enjoyment of property

This is inconsistent with the objectives of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, which require proper consideration of environmental and social impacts.

---

7. Requested Determination

Given the significant and unresolved impacts outlined above, I request that the application be refused.

Should the consent authority be minded to approve the development, I request that strict conditions be imposed, including:

* Enforceable and independently verified noise limits
* Increased setbacks from residential boundaries
* Enhanced acoustic treatment and screening
* Restrictions on generator testing hours
* Comprehensive fire safety and risk mitigation measures
* Ongoing monitoring and compliance reporting

Conclusion

The proposed development, in its current form, represents an overly intensive industrial use in close proximity to residential dwellings and will result in unacceptable impacts on amenity, safety, and wellbeing.

I strongly urge the consent authority to refuse this application.

Yours faithfully,

Kerry Morelli
38 Wood Street, Lane Cove West NSW 2066
0414257763

My objection to this large project is one based on its close proximity to the houses and primary school in Lane Cove West. The lengthy construction time will negatively affect my family's ability to sleep and enjoy our backyard. Additionally, the large number of diesel generators proposed for a centre designed to run 24/7 not only present a noise threat but the massive amount of fuel storage and exhaust fumes, also presents a threat to the local residents. The site is too close to local residential area for such a massive project that is designed to run 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week.

Dear To Whom It May Concern,
I agree with the importance of data centres being built to support communities, however I wholeheartedly object to this particular data centre being located in very close proximity to the Lane Cove West Public School and residential homes. Safety of children and teachers in a schooling environment and families and residents in homes must be protected and prioritised. I hope the Government will agree, thank you for your consideration.

Yours sincerely,

I write to formally object to the proposed data centre development located approximately 250 metres from my property. While I recognise the importance of digital infrastructure and do not oppose data centres in principle, I strongly believe this proposal is inappropriate for its location and fails to meet key planning standards designed to protect residential amenity.

1. Non-compliance with Height Regulations

A central concern is the extent to which the proposed development exceeds applicable height controls - by approximately 57%. Planning frameworks exist to ensure that new developments integrate appropriately with their surroundings. A deviation of this magnitude is not minor or technical; it represents a substantial overreach that risks setting a precedent for further erosion of planning discipline.

Excessive building height will materially impact the character of the area. If height limits can be exceeded to this degree, it calls into question the purpose and enforceability of those limits.

2. Proximity to Residential Properties

The proposed facility would be located less than 50 metres from some residential dwellings. This proximity is highly concerning given the industrial nature of data centre operations. Even where mitigation measures are proposed, the inherent characteristics of such facilities - large-scale mechanical systems, continuous operation, and servicing requirements - make them fundamentally different from typical residential or low-impact commercial developments.

Planning frameworks generally recognise the need for appropriate buffers between industrial infrastructure and residential areas. In this case, that buffer is clearly inadequate. Locating a large, non-residential structure so close to homes risks creating ongoing conflict between operational needs and residents’ quality of life.

3. Cumulative Impacts and Existing Disruption

It is important to consider the cumulative impact of infrastructure already present in the area. A data centre has previously been constructed nearby at Sirius Road, and its development has already caused significant disruption, particularly in relation to water infrastructure upgrades. These works have affected local roads, access, and general amenity for an extended period.

The current proposal suggests more of the same. Additional upgrades to utilities - especially water and power - are likely to be required, resulting in further construction impacts. Residents should not be expected to endure repeated cycles of disruption due to the clustering of similar high-demand infrastructure in close proximity.

Cumulative impacts are a critical planning consideration and should weigh heavily against approval in this instance.

4. Noise and Operational Impacts

Unlike many other developments, data centres operate continuously. This means that any operational noise - particularly from cooling systems, backup generators, and ventilation equipment - will be present 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Even if such noise complies with technical thresholds, constant low-level background noise can still have a significant impact on residential amenity. It affects sleep quality, outdoor usability, and overall wellbeing. The close proximity of the proposed development amplifies these concerns, as there is limited opportunity for noise attenuation over distance.

In addition, there is the risk of intermittent higher noise events, such as testing of backup generators, which can be particularly intrusive.

5. Inappropriate Land Use Interface

This proposal highlights a broader issue of land use compatibility. Data centres are critical infrastructure, but they are also intensive, industrial-scale facilities. Their optimal siting is in areas that are appropriately zoned and buffered from residential areas.

6. Precedent Risk

Approval of a development that so clearly exceeds height limits and encroaches on residential buffers would set a concerning precedent. It may encourage similar applications in the future, gradually transforming the character of the Lane Cove West area without appropriate strategic planning or community input. This precedent risk also applies to other parts of Sydney and New South Wales more broadly, to the extent that such projects are contemplated close to residential areas.

Planning decisions should reinforce, not undermine, established controls.

Conclusion

In summary, my objection is based on the following key points:

The development exceeds height regulations by a substantial margin (57%), undermining planning controls.

Its proximity to residential properties (less than 50 metres in some cases) is inappropriate for this type of infrastructure.

The area has already experienced significant disruption from an existing data centre, and further cumulative impacts are likely.

Continuous operational noise will negatively affect residential amenity.

The proposal represents poor land use integration and risks setting an undesirable precedent.

Data centre infrastructure must be appropriately located and designed in accordance with planning standards. This proposal fails on both counts.

For these reasons, I respectfully request that the application be refused.

Submission on Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West.
My submission on the above development comprises three categories:
1) The impact it will have on the immediate environment and community;
2) The impact on Lane Cove as a whole;
3) The enormous requirement for power and water of data centres. There is a need for
long term planning where the developers of data centres are required to pay for and
provide for the power and water they require and not deplete the resources of the
communities where they are situated.
1) The data centre proposed for 12 Mars Road is a very large 81MW data centre, with a
gross floor area of 21,832 sq m and a maximum height of 28.3m. I do not believe 12
Mars Road is a good place for such a large data centre. It is only 50m from residential
homes, and 160m from Lane Cove West Primary School and nursery school. It is
close to Blackman Park sports fields. There will be air pollution impacts and
overshadowing. It will operate 24/7 and there will be 49 diesel generators on site, plus
a large fuel storage, which is a hazard. It will consume 510,009 cubic metres of
drinking water per year for cooling. It will be visually enormous. In spite of its size, it
will be of minimal employment benefit to the community as it will only provide 26
permanent jobs.
Although it is in an area zoned E4 General Industrial, it is on the very edge of that area,
too close to the residential area adjacent to it.
The fact that two other data centres are approved for nearby Sirius Road is a
drawback not a benefit, as these will also be drawing power and water from Lane Cove
resources.
2) Lane Cove Village has been declared a Transport Oriented Development by NSW State
Government, meaning it is slated for a substantial increase in housing in the near future.
This is not consistent with the siting of water and power hungry facilities such as data
centres. Already Sydney Water is struggling in Lane Cove, with many recent, well
documented water disruptions, such a burst water main on Garling Street. For the past
year Hallam Street has been under an almost constant state of excavation of water
services.
The power grid is also likely to be put under stress when a single proposed data centre
campus in Lane Cove has been described as drawing around 90 megawatts of power. It
is totally unacceptable that there should be power outages in the Lane Cove community
while the data centre switches on its polluting diesel generators and keeps going.
It is clear that data centres will be competing with the much needed additional housing
for power and water resources, as well as for land.
3) The requirements for water and power needed by data centres must be paid for and
provided by the developers and operators of these facilities and not by local
communities. Otherwise, the cost to communities where data centres are sited will be
enormous. There should be firm servicing plans, clear recycled water pathways, and
enforceable infrastructure contributions that protect residents and local businesses from
reduced reliability and increased costs.
This will involve state and country-wide long term planning. Australia is a dry country.
Desalination plants could be an option - who will pay for them? The power requirement
should come from renewable resources, or equivalent renewable power should be paid
for to go into the grid either locally or elsewhere.
It is not necessary for data centres to be placed near residential areas, according to the
Net Zero Commission. Regional locations should be considered.
All things considered, I do not consider 12 Mars Road to be a suitable location for the
proposed data centre.

Submission on Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West.
My submission on the above development comprises three categories:
1) The impact it will have on the immediate environment and community;
2) The impact on Lane Cove as a whole;
3) The enormous requirement for power and water of data centres. There is a need for
long term planning where the developers of data centres are required to pay for and
provide for the power and water they require and not deplete the resources of the
communities where they are situated.
1) The data centre proposed for 12 Mars Road is a very large 81MW data centre, with a
gross floor area of 21,832 sq m and a maximum height of 28.3m. I do not believe 12
Mars Road is a good place for such a large data centre. It is only 50m from residential
homes, and 160m from Lane Cove West Primary School and nursery school. It is
close to Blackman Park sports fields. There will be air pollution impacts and
overshadowing. It will operate 24/7 and there will be 49 diesel generators on site, plus
a large fuel storage, which is a hazard. It will consume 510,009 cubic metres of
drinking water per year for cooling. It will be visually enormous. In spite of its size, it
will be of minimal employment benefit to the community as it will only provide 26
permanent jobs.
Although it is in an area zoned E4 General Industrial, it is on the very edge of that area,
too close to the residential area adjacent to it.
The fact that two other data centres are approved for nearby Sirius Road is a
drawback not a benefit, as these will also be drawing power and water from Lane Cove
resources.
2) Lane Cove Village has been declared a Transport Oriented Development by NSW State
Government, meaning it is slated for a substantial increase in housing in the near future.
This is not consistent with the siting of water and power hungry facilities such as data
centres. Already Sydney Water is struggling in Lane Cove, with many recent, well
documented water disruptions, such a burst water main on Garling Street. For the past
year Hallam Street has been under an almost constant state of excavation of water
services.
The power grid is also likely to be put under stress when a single proposed data centre
campus in Lane Cove has been described as drawing around 90 megawatts of power. It
is totally unacceptable that there should be power outages in the Lane Cove community
while the data centre switches on its polluting diesel generators and keeps going.
It is clear that data centres will be competing with the much needed additional housing
for power and water resources, as well as for land.
3) The requirements for water and power needed by data centres must be paid for and
provided by the developers and operators of these facilities and not by local
communities. Otherwise, the cost to communities where data centres are sited will be
enormous. There should be firm servicing plans, clear recycled water pathways, and
enforceable infrastructure contributions that protect residents and local businesses from
reduced reliability and increased costs.
This will involve state and country-wide long term planning. Australia is a dry country.
Desalination plants could be an option - who will pay for them? The power requirement
should come from renewable resources, or equivalent renewable power should be paid
for to go into the grid either locally or elsewhere.
It is not necessary for data centres to be placed near residential areas, according to the
Net Zero Commission. Regional locations should be considered.
All things considered, I do not consider 12 Mars Road to be a suitable location for the
proposed data centre.

The waste of drinkable water is unacceptable. The noise and inconvenience of a 3 year build project is unacceptable. The location is not suitable, being so close to private residences, parks and schools. The noise and pollution of 49 diesel generators cannot be allowed. The stench would be unbearable. Why are they not putting solar panels on top of a roof of such large area? Are they harvesting water from the roof run-off to be used for cooling? I suspect not. I reject this proposal on the grounds of pollution of air, water and our quiet environment. And the inconvenience it will cause. Build it in an area far from residences.

As a long term Lane Cove West resident I welcome infrastructure which benefits the community of Lane Cove West, it’s environment and importantly employment opportunities for its residents and for those aspiring to live in the area.

Unfortunately having read detailed documents about the proposed data centre project (and other confirmed and proposed similar such projects) I am vividly opposed to the proposal in question.

I have raised a family in this area and supported local businesses for decades. My child attends the local public school and of course like all households we have needs of data, power, water and employment to support our lifestyle and well being.

I fail to observe any long term benefits for the local community arising from this centre in full use.

Beyond the construction itself which may provide limited employment (given the very specialist nature of the centre) to local people. Once constructed this centre provides very little long term employment for the real estate it occupies, a huge cost to wilful employment for local residents.

The power expectations of such centres will likely provide enormous strain on infrastructure and should be reserved for purpose built zones where power grids can be provided specifically to such facilities. The risk imposed upon the local residents and community is too great to prevent increased power failure on a frequent basis.

The water requirements of these centres again suggest that dedicated zones close to dedicated supplies should be imperative. With such close proximity to homes, schools and local small business, the risk of failure is considered too great to house in such close proximity.

Finally, the locals parks and surroundings of lane cove are why people move to the area. Blackman Park is a facility used by families and residents every day and evening throughout the year and provides a backdrop to critical community clubs and gatherings. The visual and noise impact expected from such a centre in close proximity to facilities like this ( including the school) as well as nearby homes is unnecessary.

Again I fully appreciate the need for data centres. The demand for such centres is clearly there. However, as is likely the case in this instance, the local community will be the ones dealing with the aftermath of a power and water hungry asset which presents a poor long term employment resource, all while the proceeds of its operations are extracted overseas.

The proposed construction of this centre is irresponsible and reckless and the asset owners should instead invest their rich expected returns into an area of this great land where the resources to operate it are freely available, not competing with local communities and in areas that would otherwise be employment free.

Please consider this submission carefully and support the great residents of Australia to enrich and enjoy the fruits of this country’s great communities.