I strongly object to this proposal given the huge environmental damage it will cause to our community.

Submission Objecting to the Proposed Mars Data Center at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove

I write to formally object to the proposed Mars Data Center due to its significant and unacceptable impacts on surrounding bushland, wildlife habitat, and the local environment.

The site at Lane Cove sits within a sensitive bushland corridor that contributes to the ecological health of nearby reserves and the Lane Cove River catchment. Fragmentation of these habitats weakens biodiversity and reduces the resilience of local ecosystems.

Construction and operation of a large-scale data centre also raise serious environmental concerns. The extensive hard surfaces, infrastructure, and cooling systems associated with such facilities risk increasing urban heat, altering natural drainage patterns, and introducing pollutants into surrounding soils and waterways. Sediment runoff during construction has the potential to damage downstream habitats and degrade water quality in the Lane Cove River system.

In addition, the industrial nature of a high-capacity data centre is inconsistent with the established environmental character of the area. Increased traffic, noise, artificial lighting, and ongoing operational impacts will further disturb wildlife and diminish the natural amenity valued by local residents and visitors.

Given the long-term environmental consequences, I respectfully urge the NSW Department of Planning and Environment and the Lane Cove Council to reject or substantially reconsider this proposal. Protection of remaining bushland and natural corridors must be prioritised over short-term development gains.

Preserving native vegetation and ecological integrity in Lane Cove is essential not only for biodiversity but for the wellbeing of current and future generations

To close to residence area.

This project does not appear to do anything to innovate or actively promote sustainability. It complies to the minimum standard by the latest possible date. That is very different to actively innovating and promoting sustainability.
The use of diesel generators, instead of batteries or other alternative, zero emission sources of back up power is one example of this failure. Relying on third party suppliers to make bio diesel available is another.
The same goes for tree removal and planting. The project merely complies with minimum environmental standards and does nothing to improve the vegetation as a result of the proposed tree removal (and subsequent loss of CO2 production).
There are lots of ways a project of this scope could lead the way and innovate, to solve the sustainability issues facing construction today.
This should be required by government, instead of accepting compliance with minimum standards and dates two decades into the future.

I am concerned that this data centre is too close to a primary school and residential housing. It will be industrial and there are other more appropriate sites for this.

I am concerned about the heat, pollution and unsustainably of this development.

I you retarded albanese your dumbass decided to ban social media and now build a damn ai data centre in Blackman park? Your dumbass could BARELY even keep this country alive and now cause noise pollution, the exceedingly amount of dust near our homes and cutting down trees. Plus our Blackman park where many people enjoy there days on isn’t going to be enjoyable as before because of the insane amount of pollution it’s going to have, just think about it you and your family wants to go on a nice trip to the park and all you guys see is a big ugly ass building standing in front of you like who would want that. This includes the fact that you would use more water daily which causes the Sydney plumbing dudes to come over and make even more noise as if it’s not enough to see there lazyasses sitting in the sun holding a red sign talking into the radio “clear” “clear”. As to conclude this don’t build this stupid data centre it’s gonna get breached one day anyways.

Dear Sir,

I am writing to formally object to the proposed Project Mars Data Centre located at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove.

My primary concern is the significant noise impact this development will have on nearby residents. My home is located approximately 30 metres from the proposed site, and the scale and duration of the construction works raise serious concerns about the livability of our home environment.

The project is expected to involve prolonged construction activities over several years, with permitted working hours from Monday to Saturday, 7:30am to 5:00pm. This level of sustained noise over such an extended period is unreasonable and will have a severe impact on daily life. I have young children at home, and I also work from home regularly. Continuous construction noise during these hours will make it extremely difficult—if not impossible—for us to maintain a normal living and working environment.

In addition, there are ongoing concerns regarding operational noise once the data centre is completed. Data centres typically operate 24/7 with cooling systems and mechanical equipment that generate constant background noise. Given the extremely close proximity to residential properties, this is highly concerning.

I am also concerned about the impact on the surrounding community and environment, particularly due to the site’s proximity to Blackman Park. This park is a vital recreational space for local families and children, including a popular skate park frequently used by young people. The introduction of a large-scale industrial facility so close to this area risks negatively affecting the natural environment, local amenity, and the overall experience of the park.

The proposed development is not compatible with the surrounding residential and recreational environment. The cumulative impacts of construction noise, operational noise, and environmental disruption are significant and should not be overlooked.

For these reasons, I strongly urge the Department to reject this proposal or, at the very least, require substantial modifications to mitigate its impacts on the local community.

Thank you for considering my submission.

The tranquillity, safety, and wellbeing of our community are at risk with the proposed construction of a large‑scale data centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West — in close proximity to homes, Lane Cove West Public School, and Blackman Park. While data centres are important pieces of digital infrastructure, this proposal raises significant planning, environmental, and community‑impact concerns that require careful and transparent assessment.

Data centres operate 24/7 and typically involve substantial energy and water use, heat output, mechanical plant, and diesel backup systems. These elements can affect surrounding residential and educational environments through noise, traffic, visual bulk, and air quality impacts. The suitability of this location — adjacent to a primary school and key community spaces — warrants thorough scrutiny.

I object to the proposed Project Mars Data Centre due to serious concerns about its environmental and health impacts, particularly given its close proximity to residential areas and nearby schools.
My children attend a local school only a short distance from the proposed site. The plan to install and operate a large number of diesel generators raises significant concerns regarding air pollution, including emissions of nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter. These pollutants are known to exacerbate respiratory conditions, particularly in children, whose developing lungs are more vulnerable to long‑term harm.
In addition, the scale and 24‑hour operation of this facility introduce risks relating to noise pollution, cumulative environmental impacts, and increased industrialisation of an area that directly borders homes, parklands, and a primary school. I am also concerned about the project’s high water consumption and reliance on fossil‑fuel‑based backup power in the context of climate change and local environmental sustainability.
While I recognise the importance of digital infrastructure, this proposal places a disproportionate environmental burden on the local community. The location and scale of this development are not appropriate for such a sensitive urban setting. I urge the Department to refuse the application or require substantial redesign and stronger protections for nearby residents and children.

I would like to object to Project Mars SSD-82052708, due to the impact on the local community and close proximity to Lane Cove West School, and surrounding bushland and public parks, totally unacceptable.