Submission: Objection to Proposed Mars Road Data Centre (SSD-82052708)
Location: 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West

I write to formally object to the proposed Mars Road Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West.

As a nearby resident, I am concerned about the significant and long-term impacts this development is likely to have on local amenity, environmental quality, and community wellbeing. My objection is based on deficiencies within the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and supporting documentation, as outlined below.

1. Inadequate Consideration of Cumulative Impacts

The EIS fails to adequately assess the cumulative impacts of multiple data centres within the Lane Cove West industrial precinct.

Existing and proposed developments in the immediate area include:

The operational Apollo Place Data Centre (AirTrunk) at 1 Sirius Road and 1 Apollo Place;
The proposed expansion of the precinct (Mars Road Data Centre);
The Lane Cove Data Centre Alliance development at 16–20 Mars Road.

The increasing concentration of data centres in this locality raises significant concerns regarding:

Combined energy demand and strain on electricity infrastructure;
Water consumption requirements;
Noise and vibration impacts;
Air quality and emissions;
Traffic generation and associated impacts.

The absence of a comprehensive cumulative impact assessment results in an incomplete and potentially misleading evaluation of the proposal’s true environmental and community effects.

2. Deficiencies in Noise Impact Assessment

The noise modelling presented in the EIS does not adequately reflect the site’s topographical conditions.

The subject site is located on an elevated ridge above Blackman Park, which forms a natural basin. This landform is likely to amplify and project noise into surrounding areas, including nearby residential zones.

Key concerns include:

The potential for an “amphitheatre effect,” whereby sound is reflected and concentrated within the basin;
Direct line-of-sight transmission of noise from rooftop mechanical equipment into the park and adjacent residential areas;
Underestimation of low-frequency noise impacts, particularly from continuously operating cooling systems;
Insufficient modelling of night-time conditions and atmospheric variations.

Given the 24-hour operation of the facility, these impacts are likely to be ongoing and intrusive, with potential implications for community health and amenity.

3. Inadequate Air Quality Assessment

The air quality assessment does not appear to reflect the scale and operational requirements of the proposed development.

Specifically:

The modelling appears to be based on assumptions more applicable to smaller facilities;
There is insufficient analysis of emissions associated with diesel generator testing and emergency operation;
The proximity to sensitive receptors, including Blackman Park, Lane Cove West Public School, and nearby residences, has not been adequately considered.

Of particular concern is the lack of assessment of cumulative emissions during potential grid outages, when multiple facilities may operate backup generators simultaneously.

4. Inconsistencies in Submitted Data

There are inconsistencies in key data points across the submission, including:

Reported total power consumption of both 81 MW and 90 MW;
Conflicting figures for annual generator testing hours (122.5 hours in the EIS versus 155.2 hours in the Air Quality Impact Assessment).

These discrepancies raise concerns regarding the accuracy and reliability of the information provided and warrant clarification prior to any determination.

5. Outstanding Questions Requiring Clarification

The following matters should be addressed prior to any approval:

a. Topographic Acoustic Impacts
How has the noise modelling accounted for the amplification effects associated with the ridge and basin landform between Mars Road and Blackman Park?

b. Operational Noise Compliance
Given that modelling is based on indicative equipment, will enforceable conditions be imposed to ensure that operational noise does not exceed predicted levels?

c. Cumulative Air Quality Impacts
Why does the EIS not assess the combined impact of multiple data centres operating backup generators simultaneously during a power outage?

d. Heat and Microclimate Effects
Has any assessment been undertaken regarding the cumulative heat output of nearby data centres and its impact on the local microclimate, surrounding bushland, and residential areas?

Conclusion

In its current form, the proposal does not provide sufficient evidence to demonstrate that the environmental and community impacts have been fully understood or appropriately mitigated.

Accordingly, I request that the application be refused, or at a minimum, that further comprehensive and transparent assessment be undertaken to address the issues outlined above.

Project Mars Submission

I object to this application.

I’ve lived in Henley Street for nearly 20 years. I’m now nearly 80 and love this neighbourhood. I’ve enjoyed watching my daughter and now adult grandchildren grow up here, attending the local school and thriving in this beautiful area and all it has to offer its residents. I have welcomed the changing face of Lane Cove during this time and have seen only improvements. This is the first time I’ve felt the need to make an objection to a planning proposal and am only doing now so due to my serious safety concerns.

I fully support the recent submission by Lane Cove Council which outlines in detail a number of serious issues about this large Data Centre project, but rather than repeat what has already been stated by Council and no doubt others submitting individual objections, I will just focus on two main issues for me.

1. The lack of independent oversight of the inevitably biased evidence presented by the Goodman Group in support of this project due to its status as a State Significant Development. I believe it essential now to have that level of official scrutiny, which a review by an independent panel will provide.

2. The total unsuitability and associated risks of its location.

Situated at the very end of Mars Road, right up against the boundary demarcating the end of the light industrial area it is just meters away from residential housing and Lane Cove West School.

The topography of the location, with this large building sitting atop steeply sloping bushland, which forms two of its boundaries, is a further reason why it should not be located here.

The risks of a fire breaking out and spreading rapidly are all too obvious. I understand that the NSW Fire Service is still awaiting the necessary documentation from the developers to explain how the proposal plans to mitigate these risks not only to property and wildlife but most importantly, to the humans who live, work and play nearby.
in one part of the system which goes on to rapidly to affect other parts, before it can be controlled, leading multiple systems failing at the same time.
I find the lack of serious attention in the proposal to the possible cumulative impacts of an unexpected event deeply concerning. Such incidents, though rare, are certainly possible whether due to a natural cause such as severe storm, human error or worse, to malign activity such as a cybercrime attack or physical sabotage by a hostile actor. Even a relatively small incident in a complex system can all too rapidly lead to escalating system failures possibly with catastrophic outcomes.

I strongly object to the proposed data centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West on the following grounds:

Height and bulk
The proposed development significantly exceeds the permissible height limits under Lane Cove planning controls. The tallest elements are positioned closest to residential streets and sensitive bushland interfaces, resulting in an unacceptable visual and environmental impact. The scale of the proposal is inconsistent with the surrounding built form and local character.

Noise impacts
The facility is proposed to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week in close proximity to residential properties. The noise assessment is not based on confirmed equipment specifications, but rather on assumptions regarding machinery that may be installed. This introduces unacceptable uncertainty and raises serious concerns that actual operational noise may exceed acceptable limits, adversely affecting nearby residents.

Bushland and riparian environment
The site directly adjoins environmentally sensitive bushland and the Lane Cove River corridor. The proposal includes excavation of up to 8 metres, which presents a significant risk of destabilising soils, altering groundwater flows, and causing irreversible ecological damage.

There is also documented precedent in the local area where inadequate sediment and erosion controls during construction of a nearby data centre resulted in substantial harm to an endangered saltmarsh community. This history heightens concern about the adequacy of proposed mitigation measures.

Impact on the Community Nursery
The Lane Cove Community Nursery is located immediately adjacent to the proposed development. The Nursery plays a critical role in propagating native species used for bush regeneration across the entire Local Government Area. It is highly sensitive to dust, heat, vibration, and changes in microclimate. The construction and operation of a major industrial facility in such close proximity poses a direct threat to its viability and function.

Cumulative infrastructure impact
There has been no adequate assessment of the cumulative impact of four data centres operating within the local area. In particular, the combined demand on water supply, electricity infrastructure, and road networks has not been properly analysed or disclosed. Without a comprehensive cumulative impact study, it is not possible to understand the true burden this development will place on local infrastructure systems.

This proposal, as currently presented, is inconsistent with responsible planning principles and fails to adequately protect environmental assets, community infrastructure, and residential amenity.

There is a NSW enquiry into data centres underway. This proposal should be deferred until that enquiry completes, so any new recommendations or requirement as a result of that enquiry can be included in the proposal.

Overall the proposed development doesn’t support many of the Objectives of the E4 zone, in particular, "To encourage employment opportunities” and "To recognise the close proximity of this zone to adjoining residential areas and to mitigate potential conflict between industrial and residential uses." The development doesn’t show evidence in support of the Federal Governments Data Centre Expectation of Supporting Australia’s energy transition and Sustainable and efficient water usage.

More specific objections / concerns listed below relate to my property which is 50 metres from the eastern side of the proposed development where there will be a structure taller than the existing with many cooling chillers and diesel generators in the open air on the roof. I have attached photos to show how close I am to the existing buildings and where the new proposed taller building is expected to be located.

1. The 24/7 operating noise in particular at night time that would interrupt sleep at my premises. It is a quiet area at night. Currently the night time RBL measurement in the provided EIS is 30dBA for NCA03. The operational projection is 36dBA is this is outside EPA guidelines of no more than 5dBA above RBL. I have been through night time machine noise experience with the existing printing company, IMMIJ. The initial solution at the time of DA time was insufficient. I worked with local council 9 years ago for many months to force IMMIJ to retrofit acoustic treatment to the windows, vents and walls. Even then the low frequency thump of the large printer was still audible. I do not want a repeat of this experience.
2. Concern of the additional noise and emissions when diesel generators are operating.
3. There is no assessment of noise impact and emissions if all or multiple diesel generators are running simultaneously due to a major power interruption.
4. The height of new building is expected to be 28 metres. This is 10 metres above the 18 metre maximum for this industrial zone. The building is on my west side and will block light, sun and amenity at my property especially in the winter months. I expect to have to turn on lights early in the house to accommodate the darkness and consume more electricity.
5. Trees are to be removed between my property on the west and the new development. Trees provide a visual buffer and partial acoustic barrier. They are a fundamental part of the area and provide a habit for the vibrant bird life.
6. Additional risk of catastrophic fire with the large numbers of lithium batteries and fuel storage for the 49 diesel generators on the premises. Fire on the premises could spread to adjacent premises including mine. This could affect my home insurance conditions and premium.

I object to the proposed data centre at 12 Mars Road. These developments must occur within a properly planned and coordinated framework.
There is no framework or plan in place to manage the volume of data centres already built or proposed in the Lane Cove West industrial area. There has been no clear assessment of the long‑term impacts these facilities, especially multiple facilities will have on the surrounding community.
My primary concerns relate to noise, power and water consumption, and the broader long‑term consequences for the area. International planning practice typically recommends buffer zones of 300–500 metres between large‑scale data centres and sensitive land uses such as homes, schools, parks and recreational spaces. These guidelines are based on the cumulative impact of continuous low‑frequency noise.
Why Goodman are you ignoring these recommendations and building within as little as 50 metres of houses and 160 metres of a school?
The effect on the local flora and fauna is also unknown, this building is directly beside the national park and Blackman recreational area.
Low‑frequency noise from cooling systems, including cooling towers, high‑capacity fans and chillers - travels further than high‑frequency noise and penetrates buildings. Such noise can reduce cognitive performance, disrupt sleep and increase stress levels.
Operating 49 diesel engines is not only very noisy but will degrade air quality. Although these engines are not intended to run continuously, they will operate regularly for testing and during power outages. In Lane Cove West, outages have been frequent, and demand from multiple data centres will likely increase this risk.
Goodman how are you going to address the health issues and possible hospitalisation of Asthmatic children from the local school when these engines are running?
The proposed building does not provide the required greenspace and would result in the removal of a significant number of trees. This area supports abundant wildlife, including Tawny Frogmouths and Powerful Owls.
Given its proximity to Blackman Park would act as an amphitheatre, amplifying the noise of the data centre across the area. The removal of trees and the excessive building height — well above local restrictions — would further intensify these impacts.
A data centre at this location is an inappropriate use of the land, and the project should not proceed in its current form.

I live with my husband and 2 young children just 50 metres from the proposed site. This could pose risk to the health and wellbeing of my children. The site could also cause a constant hum affecting their health and ability to play outside and sleep on the night. This will also drastically affect the property price of our Home and hence affect us significantly financially. Please reconsider the position of this site and move it further into the industrial where it will not affect our neighbourhood

I object to the proposed data centre at 12 Mars Road. While I believe we need to develop our digital infrastructure it needs to be done as part of a planned and coordinated strategy.
The number of data centres being built or proposed in the Lane Cove West industrial area is concerning. There have been no clear studies of the long term effect of these centres on the surrounding area and certainly not a cluster of these centres.
My main concerns are noise, pollution, power and water usage and long term effects on the surrounding area.
International planning practice commonly recommends buffer zones of 300 to 500 metres between large scale data centres and vulnerable land uses such as homes, schools, parks and recreational areas. Modeled on the cumulative effect of on-going noise at low-frequency 24/7.
12 Mars Road is within 160 metres of a school, that includes before and after school care, within 50 metres of homes and is directly adjacent to the national park and Blackman recreational area.
Low frequency noise caused by the cooling systems, including cooling towers, high capacity fans and chillers penetrates buildings and travels further than high frequencies. Noise can contribute to reduced cognitive performance (not what you want from a school), disturbed sleep and increased stress.
In addition, the running of 49 diesel engines will add to the noise and also effect the air quality. I acknowledge they are not running 24/7 but they are run regularly for testing and when power is out – and in Lane Cove West area this has been a regular occurrence and will likely increase given the demand of the multiple data centres in the area.
What is Goodman going to do to ensure that the World Health Organisation recommendations for bedroom noise stays below 30dBA and classroom under 35dBA is upheld if the data centre goes live at 12 Mars Road?
There is also a safety concern with storage of diesel and lithium batteries within a fire zoned area. There are children playing and living within this area.
The building does not allow for the greenspace that is required and will remove a large number of trees in the areas. This area is known for its wildlife, including a rich abundance of Australian birdlife. Also in the area are Tawny Frogmouths and Powerful Owls.
12 Mars Road is so close to Blackman Park that it will act like an amphitheatre and intensify the noise in the area. Removal of the trees will increase this and also the building size, well over the height restrictions for the area will ensure that the detrimental effects of the data centre are felt far and wide.
The building of a data centre on this site is an inappropriate use of the land and should definitely not move ahead based on the current plans.

I am writing to provide feedback on the proposed data centre development at Mars Road, Lane Cove West.

Support for Digital Transformation – In Principle
I am broadly supportive of digital infrastructure investment and recognise the important role that data centres play in enabling Australia’s digital economy, cloud services, and emerging technologies. Well‑designed digital infrastructure can deliver long‑term economic and productivity benefits and is an essential part of modern society.
However, support for digital transformation must be balanced with very high standards of local infrastructure, environmental protection, and residential amenity, particularly when developments of this scale are proposed in close proximity to established residential neighbourhoods.

Electricity Infrastructure and Energy Impacts
Data centres are uniquely intensive users of electricity. While the proponent may meet technical requirements on paper, the practical impacts on surrounding communities must be fully addressed and transparently mitigated.
Specifically, I ask to ensure that:
Electricity supply upgrades required for the facility do not compromise reliability, capacity, or quality of supply for local residents
Any required new substations, backup generators, or high‑voltage infrastructure are appropriately located, screened, and buffered
The development demonstrates genuine best‑practice energy efficiency and demand management, rather than simply relying on scale
Cumulative impacts are considered, not just this application in isolation (there are multiple applications in the area at present!)
Local residents should not bear indirect costs or risks arising from the electricity demands of a large commercial facility.

Water Use and Resilience
Similarly, data centres can place significant demand on water infrastructure, including for cooling systems.
It is critical that:
Water usage is minimised through best‑practice design and technology
There is no material impact on local water pressure, availability, or drought resilience
Any water infrastructure upgrades required are fully funded by the developer and designed to avoid downstream impacts on residents - we have already had 1yr of disruptions in our neighborhood streets. The streets have also been left at a lower quality than they were before works were conducted on water infrastructure.
Given increasing concerns about water security, particularly during heatwaves and drought periods, this issue warrants close scrutiny.

Noise Impacts (Including 24/7 Operations)
Noise is a major concern for nearby residents, particularly given the 24/7 operational nature of data centres.
The submission should ensure that:
Noise assessments realistically account for night‑time operations, backup generator testing, cooling systems, and mechanical plant
Noise limits are conservative and enforced, not merely modelled averages
Strong conditions are imposed around commissioning, testing, and emergency operations
Ongoing compliance monitoring is mandatory, with clear enforcement mechanisms
Once operational, noise impacts are extremely difficult to reverse, so standards must be set high from the outset.

Tree Removal, Environmental Equity, and Consistency of Standards
A key concern is equity and consistency in environmental controls.
Local residents are often subject to very strict restrictions on tree removal, even where trees materially limit reasonable residential development, safety, or amenity. In contrast, large developments are frequently permitted to remove substantial numbers of mature trees.
If residents are required to preserve trees at significant personal and financial cost, it is only reasonable that:
Commercial developments are held to equal or higher standards, not lower
Mature tree removal is genuinely minimised, not treated as an acceptable trade‑off
Replacement planting is meaningful, enforceable, and long‑term
The loss of tree canopy and heat mitigation is fully offset
The perception that large developers are afforded greater flexibility than residents undermines confidence in the planning system.

Conclusion
In summary, while I support digital infrastructure development in principle, this proposal should only proceed if:
Infrastructure standards are demonstrably best‑in‑class
Local electricity and water networks are protected from adverse impacts
Noise impacts are conservatively assessed and strictly controlled
Tree removal and environmental impacts are addressed with genuine equity and discipline

Digital progress should not come at the expense of local amenity, environmental integrity, or fairness to the surrounding community.
Thank you for the opportunity to make this submission.