Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
EAST RYDE
,
New South Wales
Message
This proposal is very bad on so many levels. Noise. Health. One friend is impacted by works happening for the water pipe “upgrade” and that’s pretty badly handled. I know this proposal is making him consider selling his house and it is quite distressing to him and his wife. There is really no good reason to locate a data centre so close to residential areas. The current industrial area is already enough with current usage. Diesel generators running, trucks coming and going.
It’s a disgraceful example of corporate greed running over the residents and leaving distressed and impacted ordinary people suffering in its wake. This
It’s a disgraceful example of corporate greed running over the residents and leaving distressed and impacted ordinary people suffering in its wake. This
John Fogarty
Object
John Fogarty
Object
LANE COVE WEST
,
New South Wales
Message
This project is far too close to residential houses. There are 2 houses and a council nursery between the boundary of this development and my boundary. There are many residential homes surrounding this impending building as well as a primary school, a huge all-purpose park and playing fields.
As I understand the Data Centre operates 24/7 and emits a noise constantly. Because of its close proximity to residential homes, it will be a health hazard to those trying to sleep at night and detrimental to the mental health of all who hear the constant noise.
At present, no other industries in this area are active 24/7. The nights and weekends are quiet, and to be truthful the Industrial area is peaceful most days except for car and truck movements in business hours.
The number of trees that will be cut down to accommodate this building is quite staggering. The industrial park sits in an area surrounded by parkland, the Lane cove river, marsh areas and an abundance of wildlife.
We have had constant noise and disruption of our movement in and out of our home with the laying of new water pipes for one of the Data Centres at the end of Mars Road (Apollo Place). Will these water pipes cover any future planned new Data Centres such as the one near us at 12 Mars Road. The amount of water used by the proposed Data Centre is enormous, and it is not recycled. With the constant obvious changes in our climate, it seems obscene to allow one Centre access to some much of our precious water.
The aging sewerage system may not cope with the amount of water flowing through the pipes.
The time frame for this build is estimated to be near 3 years. This will cause enormous disruption to the local streets, as tradies will want to park close to the build, with a quick exit at the end of their shift.
There is a lot of movement around drop off and pick up of school children with cars parking and then moving on. Blackman Park also creates lots of traffic movement, with many sporting activities during the week and especially on Saturdays.
Will our electricity grid cope with the enormous amount of energy used by this Data Centre? Back up for this build includes the storage of diesel and lithium batteries, all which could pose a fire hazard.
There seem to be no positive outcomes for the local community of Lane Cove West. This building at 12 Mars Road is causing great distress to many resident s of the local area, and also to the people who will lose their jobs when the factories close on the site.
I object most strongly to this construction of a Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, and I hope government considers the many objections that it receives.
As I understand the Data Centre operates 24/7 and emits a noise constantly. Because of its close proximity to residential homes, it will be a health hazard to those trying to sleep at night and detrimental to the mental health of all who hear the constant noise.
At present, no other industries in this area are active 24/7. The nights and weekends are quiet, and to be truthful the Industrial area is peaceful most days except for car and truck movements in business hours.
The number of trees that will be cut down to accommodate this building is quite staggering. The industrial park sits in an area surrounded by parkland, the Lane cove river, marsh areas and an abundance of wildlife.
We have had constant noise and disruption of our movement in and out of our home with the laying of new water pipes for one of the Data Centres at the end of Mars Road (Apollo Place). Will these water pipes cover any future planned new Data Centres such as the one near us at 12 Mars Road. The amount of water used by the proposed Data Centre is enormous, and it is not recycled. With the constant obvious changes in our climate, it seems obscene to allow one Centre access to some much of our precious water.
The aging sewerage system may not cope with the amount of water flowing through the pipes.
The time frame for this build is estimated to be near 3 years. This will cause enormous disruption to the local streets, as tradies will want to park close to the build, with a quick exit at the end of their shift.
There is a lot of movement around drop off and pick up of school children with cars parking and then moving on. Blackman Park also creates lots of traffic movement, with many sporting activities during the week and especially on Saturdays.
Will our electricity grid cope with the enormous amount of energy used by this Data Centre? Back up for this build includes the storage of diesel and lithium batteries, all which could pose a fire hazard.
There seem to be no positive outcomes for the local community of Lane Cove West. This building at 12 Mars Road is causing great distress to many resident s of the local area, and also to the people who will lose their jobs when the factories close on the site.
I object most strongly to this construction of a Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, and I hope government considers the many objections that it receives.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
LANE COVE WEST
,
New South Wales
Message
I would like to formally object to this project as a resident of LC West. Main concerns are that modelling and assessments performed and confirmed by EIS shows that these are very inadequately tested for material impact and realistic conditions. Key points include the below.
Proximity to housing.
- Facility proximity is extremely close to resident housing and public school. Proposed hight is 28.3m which exceeds the 18m limits. Achitectual plans seem to indicate setback is based on distance to actual house not property boundaries of the resident properties.
Noise
- Generator noise of the 49 diesel generators has not been realistically assessed under operating scenarios. Noise modelling relies on selective locations not performed close to resident homes or during appropriate times like night time. I don't see low frequency noise impact assessments. Not even sure if this is properly addressed and therefore this is compliant?
Air Quality
- EIS confirms under emergency operations (which we don't know the frequency or executable conditions are) have No2 1-hour criteria that exceeds multiuple receptors based on modelling results. There seems to be no modelling of air quality impacts when ALL data centers are in use during emergency operations which would be a real condition as these data centers are clustered.
Infrastructure Capacity
- No confirmed capacity from Ausgrid or Sydney Water. Critical infrastructure feasibility is not resolved so there is contradictions between use of existing infrastructure and need of new ones.
Enviornmental impacts
- Cumulative environmental impacts not assessed. Asbestos contamination has been iodentified with reliance on remediation plans. Suitability of the site itself relies on future conditions not current conditions.
Social impacts
- Proximity, height, noise, environment, infrastructure, energy/water supply etc all have direct or indirect impact to social life and it seems these have not really been appropriately addressed for resident impacts. Only 49 people consulted and 79% identified no social benefit but EIS confirmed positive outcome. Exhibition was also done during holiday period so seems targetted to not get involvement by parents which would be main cohort?
In essence, the propsal and the assessments for this propsal in my opinion has not been done adequately for negative scenarios or cumulative scenarios or even in resident impactful situations. It relies too heavily on unresolved infrastrcuture and future fix scenarios and shows there are real environmental and community impacts.
Proximity to housing.
- Facility proximity is extremely close to resident housing and public school. Proposed hight is 28.3m which exceeds the 18m limits. Achitectual plans seem to indicate setback is based on distance to actual house not property boundaries of the resident properties.
Noise
- Generator noise of the 49 diesel generators has not been realistically assessed under operating scenarios. Noise modelling relies on selective locations not performed close to resident homes or during appropriate times like night time. I don't see low frequency noise impact assessments. Not even sure if this is properly addressed and therefore this is compliant?
Air Quality
- EIS confirms under emergency operations (which we don't know the frequency or executable conditions are) have No2 1-hour criteria that exceeds multiuple receptors based on modelling results. There seems to be no modelling of air quality impacts when ALL data centers are in use during emergency operations which would be a real condition as these data centers are clustered.
Infrastructure Capacity
- No confirmed capacity from Ausgrid or Sydney Water. Critical infrastructure feasibility is not resolved so there is contradictions between use of existing infrastructure and need of new ones.
Enviornmental impacts
- Cumulative environmental impacts not assessed. Asbestos contamination has been iodentified with reliance on remediation plans. Suitability of the site itself relies on future conditions not current conditions.
Social impacts
- Proximity, height, noise, environment, infrastructure, energy/water supply etc all have direct or indirect impact to social life and it seems these have not really been appropriately addressed for resident impacts. Only 49 people consulted and 79% identified no social benefit but EIS confirmed positive outcome. Exhibition was also done during holiday period so seems targetted to not get involvement by parents which would be main cohort?
In essence, the propsal and the assessments for this propsal in my opinion has not been done adequately for negative scenarios or cumulative scenarios or even in resident impactful situations. It relies too heavily on unresolved infrastrcuture and future fix scenarios and shows there are real environmental and community impacts.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
LANE COVE WEST
,
New South Wales
Message
I object based on the following points:
Noise - equipment operating 24/7 - was the noise assessment done representative of what will actually be happening? What are future scalability scenarios and impacts?
the Noise Assessment admits that the mechanical plant details are only "indicative," meaning the community is being asked to trust a model built on speculative equipment rather than confirmed hardware.
Air Trunk SYD2 data centre in LCW - noise findings - way above what was predicted. **see ITC article for more details. https://inthecove.com.au/2026/04/28/lane-cove-data-centre-compliance/
Residents at 150 Epping Road are complaining
Air pollution and emissions from diesel generators - The proponent’s Air Quality Impact Assessment acknowledges that NOX emissions will exceed the Clean Air Regulation 2022 (Group 6) limits—reaching levels 5 to 10 times the standard. The application relies on a "200-hour emergency exemption" to justify these concentrations, a strategy that fails to account for the health of residents living in such immediate proximity to the exhaust
lack of a cumulative impact study. The models treat this facility in isolation, ignoring the combined air and noise pollution that would occur if multiple data centers in the precinct (including the proposed Julius Avenue site) were to test engines simultaneously.
Loss of 90 trees, green space and wildlife- in particular the endangered Powerful owl and the large pied eared bat
Water and electrical infrastructure not confirmed . Water currently taken from Sydney’s drinkable water supply.
risk of pollution to Lane Cove river
proximity to homes - 50m to nearest house. 160m to Lane Cove West school.
Height of buildings - up to 33m height - far exceeds local restrictions **can someone confirm if this is still correct? **
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) concerns about data centres and the lack of emergency response plans . See ITC article for details - https://inthecove.com.au/2026/04/28/lane-cove-data-centre-compliance/
no agency checking on reports at current Airtrunk facility - See ITC article for details - https://inthecove.com.au/2026/04/28/lane-cove-data-centre-compliance
lack of community consultation - many houses in local area didn’t receive correspondence about the data centre community meetings and submissions
Noise - equipment operating 24/7 - was the noise assessment done representative of what will actually be happening? What are future scalability scenarios and impacts?
the Noise Assessment admits that the mechanical plant details are only "indicative," meaning the community is being asked to trust a model built on speculative equipment rather than confirmed hardware.
Air Trunk SYD2 data centre in LCW - noise findings - way above what was predicted. **see ITC article for more details. https://inthecove.com.au/2026/04/28/lane-cove-data-centre-compliance/
Residents at 150 Epping Road are complaining
Air pollution and emissions from diesel generators - The proponent’s Air Quality Impact Assessment acknowledges that NOX emissions will exceed the Clean Air Regulation 2022 (Group 6) limits—reaching levels 5 to 10 times the standard. The application relies on a "200-hour emergency exemption" to justify these concentrations, a strategy that fails to account for the health of residents living in such immediate proximity to the exhaust
lack of a cumulative impact study. The models treat this facility in isolation, ignoring the combined air and noise pollution that would occur if multiple data centers in the precinct (including the proposed Julius Avenue site) were to test engines simultaneously.
Loss of 90 trees, green space and wildlife- in particular the endangered Powerful owl and the large pied eared bat
Water and electrical infrastructure not confirmed . Water currently taken from Sydney’s drinkable water supply.
risk of pollution to Lane Cove river
proximity to homes - 50m to nearest house. 160m to Lane Cove West school.
Height of buildings - up to 33m height - far exceeds local restrictions **can someone confirm if this is still correct? **
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) concerns about data centres and the lack of emergency response plans . See ITC article for details - https://inthecove.com.au/2026/04/28/lane-cove-data-centre-compliance/
no agency checking on reports at current Airtrunk facility - See ITC article for details - https://inthecove.com.au/2026/04/28/lane-cove-data-centre-compliance
lack of community consultation - many houses in local area didn’t receive correspondence about the data centre community meetings and submissions
Name Withheld
Support
Name Withheld
Support
LANE COVE
,
New South Wales
Message
I am writing to express my support for the proposed data centre development within the existing light industrial zone.
This site is already zoned for industrial use and has been for many years, well before many current residents moved into the surrounding area. Development within this zone should be assessed in that context. A data centre is a relatively low-impact industrial use compared to many alternatives that would also be permissible under the same zoning, such as concrete batching plants, warehousing with heavy vehicle movements, or manufacturing facilities.
Lower Environmental and Operational Impact
Compared to other industrial uses, a data centre has several advantages:
* Very low day-to-day traffic generation, typically only a small number of staff on site.
* Minimal ongoing noise and emissions during normal operation.
* Backup generators are only used intermittently (e.g. testing or emergencies), meaning their environmental impact is limited compared to constant heavy vehicle activity in other industries.
* Battery systems, while sometimes raised as a concern, are standard infrastructure and widely accepted as part of modern energy systems.
Additionally, the removal of any existing asbestos on the site should be viewed as a positive outcome, improving environmental safety.
Comparison with Other Developments
Much of the concern raised appears to overlook that developments such as large residential complexes or other industrial facilities can involve:
* Significant excavation and construction impacts
* Long-term increases in traffic
* Greater strain on local infrastructure
In contrast, a data centre typically results in lower ongoing disruption once construction is complete.
Infrastructure Benefits
Data centres often require upgrades to local infrastructure, including:
* Electricity supply
* Telecommunications networks
* Water systems
These upgrades can benefit the broader community by improving reliability and capacity of essential services.
Traffic Considerations
Concerns about traffic during construction are valid and should be managed appropriately. However, it is important to distinguish between short-term construction impacts and long-term operational impacts. Once operational, a data centre generates significantly less traffic than most other industrial uses permitted in the area.
Context of Existing Industrial Area
Residents living near established industrial zones should reasonably expect ongoing development consistent with that zoning. This proposal does not represent a rezoning or a shift in land use, but rather a continuation of the area’s intended purpose.
Conclusion
Overall, the proposed data centre represents a relatively low-impact, modern industrial use that aligns with the zoning of the site. When compared to other permissible developments, it is likely to result in fewer long-term impacts on traffic, noise, and emissions, while potentially delivering infrastructure improvements to the area.
For these reasons, I support the approval of this development, subject to appropriate management of construction impacts.
This site is already zoned for industrial use and has been for many years, well before many current residents moved into the surrounding area. Development within this zone should be assessed in that context. A data centre is a relatively low-impact industrial use compared to many alternatives that would also be permissible under the same zoning, such as concrete batching plants, warehousing with heavy vehicle movements, or manufacturing facilities.
Lower Environmental and Operational Impact
Compared to other industrial uses, a data centre has several advantages:
* Very low day-to-day traffic generation, typically only a small number of staff on site.
* Minimal ongoing noise and emissions during normal operation.
* Backup generators are only used intermittently (e.g. testing or emergencies), meaning their environmental impact is limited compared to constant heavy vehicle activity in other industries.
* Battery systems, while sometimes raised as a concern, are standard infrastructure and widely accepted as part of modern energy systems.
Additionally, the removal of any existing asbestos on the site should be viewed as a positive outcome, improving environmental safety.
Comparison with Other Developments
Much of the concern raised appears to overlook that developments such as large residential complexes or other industrial facilities can involve:
* Significant excavation and construction impacts
* Long-term increases in traffic
* Greater strain on local infrastructure
In contrast, a data centre typically results in lower ongoing disruption once construction is complete.
Infrastructure Benefits
Data centres often require upgrades to local infrastructure, including:
* Electricity supply
* Telecommunications networks
* Water systems
These upgrades can benefit the broader community by improving reliability and capacity of essential services.
Traffic Considerations
Concerns about traffic during construction are valid and should be managed appropriately. However, it is important to distinguish between short-term construction impacts and long-term operational impacts. Once operational, a data centre generates significantly less traffic than most other industrial uses permitted in the area.
Context of Existing Industrial Area
Residents living near established industrial zones should reasonably expect ongoing development consistent with that zoning. This proposal does not represent a rezoning or a shift in land use, but rather a continuation of the area’s intended purpose.
Conclusion
Overall, the proposed data centre represents a relatively low-impact, modern industrial use that aligns with the zoning of the site. When compared to other permissible developments, it is likely to result in fewer long-term impacts on traffic, noise, and emissions, while potentially delivering infrastructure improvements to the area.
For these reasons, I support the approval of this development, subject to appropriate management of construction impacts.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
LANE COVE
,
New South Wales
Message
Submission objecting to Project Mars Data Centre — SSD-82052708
12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West
I object to the proposed Project Mars Data Centre.
This proposal represents a significant intensification of industrial use in a location immediately adjacent to residential areas, Blackman Park, and a local school. It should not be assessed as a standalone development. It forms part of a rapidly emerging cluster of hyperscale data centres in Lane Cove West, which raises serious and unresolved cumulative impacts.
⸻
1. Failure to assess cumulative impact (critical issue)
There is already an operational hyperscale data centre at 1 Sirius Road (AirTrunk SYD2) within the same precinct. In addition:
* At least one further data centre has been approved but not yet built
* Multiple additional facilities are proposed within the same Mars Road / Apollo Place corridor
This proposal must therefore be assessed as part of a data centre cluster, not as an isolated project.
There is no adequate cumulative assessment of:
* Total energy demand and grid impact
* Combined noise levels from multiple 24/7 facilities
* Water consumption and infrastructure capacity
* Traffic and servicing movements
* Air quality impacts from diesel generators
* Urban heat and microclimate effects
This is a fundamental planning gap. Approving this project without a whole-of-precinct cumulative impact assessment is not consistent with orderly and strategic land use planning.
⸻
2. Inappropriate location for hyperscale industrial infrastructure
The proposed facility is:
* Less than ~50m from residential homes
* Approximately 160m from a public school
* Directly adjacent to Blackman Park, a key recreational and community asset
This is not a typical industrial interface. It is a sensitive urban interface involving:
* families
* children
* recreational users
* environmentally sensitive land
A 24/7, high-intensity industrial data centre is not an appropriate land use in such proximity.
⸻
3. Permanent noise and amenity impacts
The facility will operate continuously (24/7), generating:
* constant background mechanical noise (cooling systems, plant)
* intermittent higher noise events (testing, maintenance, generators)
Even if compliant on paper, continuous low-frequency industrial noise materially degrades residential amenity over time.
This risk is amplified by:
* proximity to homes and parkland
* the likelihood of multiple nearby data centres operating simultaneously
Without a cumulative acoustic model, impacts are understated.
⸻
4. Air quality and diesel generator risk
The proposal includes:
* 49 diesel generators
* Over 1 million litres of diesel storage
Even if primarily for backup, generators require:
* regular testing
* operation during outages or peak demand events
Diesel emissions include:
* PM2.5 and PM10 particulates
* nitrogen oxides
* carbon monoxide
These pollutants are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular impacts — particularly concerning given the proximity to:
* a school
* residential dwellings
* active recreational space (Blackman Park)
This risk becomes materially worse under a multi–data centre cluster scenario.
⸻
5. Lithium battery storage and fire risk
The proposal includes approximately:
* 194,000 kg of lithium battery storage
This introduces:
* fire and thermal runaway risk
* toxic smoke exposure risk
* emergency response complexity
The suitability of locating this scale of battery infrastructure near homes, a school, and public open space is highly questionable.
There is insufficient publicly demonstrated:
* emergency response capability
* evacuation planning
* cumulative risk assessment (across multiple facilities)
⸻
6. Environmental degradation and tree loss
The proposal includes:
* removal of approximately 90 trees
* excavation and major site transformation
Impacts include:
* loss of habitat and biodiversity
* reduced canopy and increased urban heat
* degradation of the setting of Blackman Park and nearby bushland
This is inconsistent with protecting the environmental and recreational value of the area.
⸻
7. Construction impacts over extended period
The development involves approximately:
* 3 years of construction (Monday–Saturday)
* demolition, excavation, and heavy vehicle movements
Impacts include:
* traffic congestion and parking pressure
* dust and noise
* vibration impacts
* risks associated with asbestos and underground tank removal
These impacts will affect:
* local residents
* school communities
* park users
⸻
8. Existing infrastructure is already constrained
Local infrastructure in Lane Cove is already under pressure, including:
* road capacity
* public transport
* schools at or near capacity
* limited ability to expand local infrastructure due to spatial constraints
A development of this scale — particularly when considered cumulatively — will:
* exacerbate congestion
* increase demand on utilities
* strain emergency services
There is limited to no capacity for meaningful infrastructure expansion in this locality.
⸻
9. Precedent and strategic planning concern
Approving this proposal would:
* establish a precedent for clustering hyperscale industrial facilities near residential and recreational land
* effectively rezone the area by outcome, without proper strategic planning
This undermines:
* community expectations
* orderly land use planning
* protection of public open space
⸻
In summary I strongly object to this proposal and this proposal should be refused.
At a minimum, the Department should require:
* a comprehensive cumulative impact assessment across all existing, approved, and proposed data centres in Lane Cove West
* verified and final noise modelling based on actual plant specifications
* detailed diesel emissions and air quality modelling
* independent lithium battery fire risk and emergency response assessment
* clear demonstration that local infrastructure has capacity to support the development
* stronger protection of trees, bushland and Blackman Park amenity
Without this, the project represents an unacceptable risk to community health, amenity, and environmental outcomes.
12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West
I object to the proposed Project Mars Data Centre.
This proposal represents a significant intensification of industrial use in a location immediately adjacent to residential areas, Blackman Park, and a local school. It should not be assessed as a standalone development. It forms part of a rapidly emerging cluster of hyperscale data centres in Lane Cove West, which raises serious and unresolved cumulative impacts.
⸻
1. Failure to assess cumulative impact (critical issue)
There is already an operational hyperscale data centre at 1 Sirius Road (AirTrunk SYD2) within the same precinct. In addition:
* At least one further data centre has been approved but not yet built
* Multiple additional facilities are proposed within the same Mars Road / Apollo Place corridor
This proposal must therefore be assessed as part of a data centre cluster, not as an isolated project.
There is no adequate cumulative assessment of:
* Total energy demand and grid impact
* Combined noise levels from multiple 24/7 facilities
* Water consumption and infrastructure capacity
* Traffic and servicing movements
* Air quality impacts from diesel generators
* Urban heat and microclimate effects
This is a fundamental planning gap. Approving this project without a whole-of-precinct cumulative impact assessment is not consistent with orderly and strategic land use planning.
⸻
2. Inappropriate location for hyperscale industrial infrastructure
The proposed facility is:
* Less than ~50m from residential homes
* Approximately 160m from a public school
* Directly adjacent to Blackman Park, a key recreational and community asset
This is not a typical industrial interface. It is a sensitive urban interface involving:
* families
* children
* recreational users
* environmentally sensitive land
A 24/7, high-intensity industrial data centre is not an appropriate land use in such proximity.
⸻
3. Permanent noise and amenity impacts
The facility will operate continuously (24/7), generating:
* constant background mechanical noise (cooling systems, plant)
* intermittent higher noise events (testing, maintenance, generators)
Even if compliant on paper, continuous low-frequency industrial noise materially degrades residential amenity over time.
This risk is amplified by:
* proximity to homes and parkland
* the likelihood of multiple nearby data centres operating simultaneously
Without a cumulative acoustic model, impacts are understated.
⸻
4. Air quality and diesel generator risk
The proposal includes:
* 49 diesel generators
* Over 1 million litres of diesel storage
Even if primarily for backup, generators require:
* regular testing
* operation during outages or peak demand events
Diesel emissions include:
* PM2.5 and PM10 particulates
* nitrogen oxides
* carbon monoxide
These pollutants are linked to respiratory and cardiovascular impacts — particularly concerning given the proximity to:
* a school
* residential dwellings
* active recreational space (Blackman Park)
This risk becomes materially worse under a multi–data centre cluster scenario.
⸻
5. Lithium battery storage and fire risk
The proposal includes approximately:
* 194,000 kg of lithium battery storage
This introduces:
* fire and thermal runaway risk
* toxic smoke exposure risk
* emergency response complexity
The suitability of locating this scale of battery infrastructure near homes, a school, and public open space is highly questionable.
There is insufficient publicly demonstrated:
* emergency response capability
* evacuation planning
* cumulative risk assessment (across multiple facilities)
⸻
6. Environmental degradation and tree loss
The proposal includes:
* removal of approximately 90 trees
* excavation and major site transformation
Impacts include:
* loss of habitat and biodiversity
* reduced canopy and increased urban heat
* degradation of the setting of Blackman Park and nearby bushland
This is inconsistent with protecting the environmental and recreational value of the area.
⸻
7. Construction impacts over extended period
The development involves approximately:
* 3 years of construction (Monday–Saturday)
* demolition, excavation, and heavy vehicle movements
Impacts include:
* traffic congestion and parking pressure
* dust and noise
* vibration impacts
* risks associated with asbestos and underground tank removal
These impacts will affect:
* local residents
* school communities
* park users
⸻
8. Existing infrastructure is already constrained
Local infrastructure in Lane Cove is already under pressure, including:
* road capacity
* public transport
* schools at or near capacity
* limited ability to expand local infrastructure due to spatial constraints
A development of this scale — particularly when considered cumulatively — will:
* exacerbate congestion
* increase demand on utilities
* strain emergency services
There is limited to no capacity for meaningful infrastructure expansion in this locality.
⸻
9. Precedent and strategic planning concern
Approving this proposal would:
* establish a precedent for clustering hyperscale industrial facilities near residential and recreational land
* effectively rezone the area by outcome, without proper strategic planning
This undermines:
* community expectations
* orderly land use planning
* protection of public open space
⸻
In summary I strongly object to this proposal and this proposal should be refused.
At a minimum, the Department should require:
* a comprehensive cumulative impact assessment across all existing, approved, and proposed data centres in Lane Cove West
* verified and final noise modelling based on actual plant specifications
* detailed diesel emissions and air quality modelling
* independent lithium battery fire risk and emergency response assessment
* clear demonstration that local infrastructure has capacity to support the development
* stronger protection of trees, bushland and Blackman Park amenity
Without this, the project represents an unacceptable risk to community health, amenity, and environmental outcomes.
Name Withheld
Object
Name Withheld
Object
LANE COVE WEST
,
New South Wales
Message
Objection to Project Mars Data Centre (SSD-82052708)
12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West
I formally object to the proposed Project Mars Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West.
I am a resident of Hallam Avenue and will be directly impacted by this development. I strongly oppose the proposal due to its significant and unacceptable impacts on amenity, public health, infrastructure and the broader planning integrity of the area.
Amenity, noise and health impacts
The proposal introduces a 24/7 industrial facility immediately adjacent to established residential areas. This creates a high likelihood of ongoing and intrusive impacts on local amenity.
Continuous mechanical plant, cooling systems and associated infrastructure will generate persistent background noise, particularly during night-time periods when ambient noise levels are low. Even relatively modest increases in noise can have a significant effect on sleep, wellbeing and quality of life in a quiet suburban environment. The reliance on indicative plant and equipment, with final design details to be resolved later, creates unacceptable uncertainty around actual operational noise outcomes.
The inclusion of extensive backup diesel generation also raises serious concerns regarding air quality and public health. These generators produce particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which are known to have adverse health impacts. The proximity of these emissions to homes, schools and childcare facilities is inappropriate and exposes residents, particularly young children, to avoidable risk.
Cumulative impacts
This proposal cannot be considered in isolation. There are multiple data centre developments either approved or proposed within the same precinct.
The cumulative effect of this clustering will result in:
• Significant and ongoing pressure on electricity and water infrastructure
• Compounding and overlapping noise impacts across the area
• Increased air quality risks, particularly during concurrent generator operation or outage events
• A broader and unplanned transformation of the precinct into a high-intensity industrial zone
There is no clear or coordinated strategic framework guiding the concentration of this type of infrastructure in such close proximity to established residential communities. This represents a failure of proper planning and places an unreasonable burden on existing residents.
Inappropriate proximity to residential and community uses
The proposed facility is located extremely close to sensitive receivers, with residential properties within approximately 50 metres. It is also in close proximity to:
• Lane Cove West Public School
• Childcare and early learning facilities
• Lane Cove Community Nursery
• Blackman Park and surrounding public open space
This level of proximity is wholly inappropriate for a large-scale, continuously operating industrial facility.
While the site is zoned E4 General Industrial, the objectives of that zoning require that industrial uses minimise adverse impacts on surrounding land uses and respond appropriately to the close interface with residential areas. This proposal fails to achieve those objectives.
The placement of a hyperscale data centre directly on the boundary of residential zoning, without any meaningful buffer, is a fundamental planning failure. Residents should not be expected to absorb the impacts of continuous industrial activity, including noise, emissions and visual bulk, at such close range.
Departure from intended planning outcomes
The Lane Cove West Business Park was not designed or intended to accommodate infrastructure of this scale and intensity.
There is a clear and important distinction between traditional business park uses such as warehousing and light industrial activities, and hyperscale data centres. This proposal introduces:
• Continuous 24/7 operations
• Large-scale mechanical plant and cooling systems
• Significant energy and water consumption
• Backup diesel generation and associated emissions
• Substantial built form and industrial character
This represents a material escalation in land use intensity that is inconsistent with the established and intended function of the precinct.
Approving this proposal would effectively redefine the area as a data centre cluster without any strategic planning process, without appropriate infrastructure planning, and without meaningful community consideration. This is not what would have been contemplated when the precinct and surrounding residential areas were planned and developed.
Conclusion
The Project Mars Data Centre is fundamentally incompatible with its location. It places intensive industrial infrastructure directly alongside homes, schools and community facilities and represents a clear and unjustified departure from the intended planning outcomes for the precinct. The resulting impacts on amenity, health and long-term planning integrity are unacceptable. The proposal should not be approved and must be refused.
12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West
I formally object to the proposed Project Mars Data Centre at 12 Mars Road, Lane Cove West.
I am a resident of Hallam Avenue and will be directly impacted by this development. I strongly oppose the proposal due to its significant and unacceptable impacts on amenity, public health, infrastructure and the broader planning integrity of the area.
Amenity, noise and health impacts
The proposal introduces a 24/7 industrial facility immediately adjacent to established residential areas. This creates a high likelihood of ongoing and intrusive impacts on local amenity.
Continuous mechanical plant, cooling systems and associated infrastructure will generate persistent background noise, particularly during night-time periods when ambient noise levels are low. Even relatively modest increases in noise can have a significant effect on sleep, wellbeing and quality of life in a quiet suburban environment. The reliance on indicative plant and equipment, with final design details to be resolved later, creates unacceptable uncertainty around actual operational noise outcomes.
The inclusion of extensive backup diesel generation also raises serious concerns regarding air quality and public health. These generators produce particulate matter and nitrogen oxides, which are known to have adverse health impacts. The proximity of these emissions to homes, schools and childcare facilities is inappropriate and exposes residents, particularly young children, to avoidable risk.
Cumulative impacts
This proposal cannot be considered in isolation. There are multiple data centre developments either approved or proposed within the same precinct.
The cumulative effect of this clustering will result in:
• Significant and ongoing pressure on electricity and water infrastructure
• Compounding and overlapping noise impacts across the area
• Increased air quality risks, particularly during concurrent generator operation or outage events
• A broader and unplanned transformation of the precinct into a high-intensity industrial zone
There is no clear or coordinated strategic framework guiding the concentration of this type of infrastructure in such close proximity to established residential communities. This represents a failure of proper planning and places an unreasonable burden on existing residents.
Inappropriate proximity to residential and community uses
The proposed facility is located extremely close to sensitive receivers, with residential properties within approximately 50 metres. It is also in close proximity to:
• Lane Cove West Public School
• Childcare and early learning facilities
• Lane Cove Community Nursery
• Blackman Park and surrounding public open space
This level of proximity is wholly inappropriate for a large-scale, continuously operating industrial facility.
While the site is zoned E4 General Industrial, the objectives of that zoning require that industrial uses minimise adverse impacts on surrounding land uses and respond appropriately to the close interface with residential areas. This proposal fails to achieve those objectives.
The placement of a hyperscale data centre directly on the boundary of residential zoning, without any meaningful buffer, is a fundamental planning failure. Residents should not be expected to absorb the impacts of continuous industrial activity, including noise, emissions and visual bulk, at such close range.
Departure from intended planning outcomes
The Lane Cove West Business Park was not designed or intended to accommodate infrastructure of this scale and intensity.
There is a clear and important distinction between traditional business park uses such as warehousing and light industrial activities, and hyperscale data centres. This proposal introduces:
• Continuous 24/7 operations
• Large-scale mechanical plant and cooling systems
• Significant energy and water consumption
• Backup diesel generation and associated emissions
• Substantial built form and industrial character
This represents a material escalation in land use intensity that is inconsistent with the established and intended function of the precinct.
Approving this proposal would effectively redefine the area as a data centre cluster without any strategic planning process, without appropriate infrastructure planning, and without meaningful community consideration. This is not what would have been contemplated when the precinct and surrounding residential areas were planned and developed.
Conclusion
The Project Mars Data Centre is fundamentally incompatible with its location. It places intensive industrial infrastructure directly alongside homes, schools and community facilities and represents a clear and unjustified departure from the intended planning outcomes for the precinct. The resulting impacts on amenity, health and long-term planning integrity are unacceptable. The proposal should not be approved and must be refused.
Jo Matthews
Object
Jo Matthews
Object
LANE COVE WEST
,
New South Wales
Message
I object to the Mars Project proposal.
This proposal will greatly affect the livelihood of my whole family. I am surprised that there has been no independent evaluation of the data given in the EIS, particularly relating to the impacts of businesses, residents and the parkland. The EIS downplays and minimises many concerns and has not actively and properly engaged in community concerns.
My house is only 100 metres away. I have lived here many years in harmony with the business park. The general industrial zoning has not concerned me because I have known that businesses do not operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and whatever the noise, it is transitional in nature and falls silent on the weekend.
My greatest concern is that the acoustic studies are not fully independent and they are methodologically unsound. The timescale and resources for it were dictated by Goodman Group as indicated in the report and thus the contracted company admit they have been limited by this. The full report is lacking in crucial data, uses unrepresentative baseline data, downplays both construction and operational noise and makes no realistic assessment of the low-frequency sound and its cumulative impacts with other data centres here. Further to this, the mitigation for any of the noise is non-binding and once approval of this development goes through, there is no formal way to stop the developer doing as they like, in their normal course of business.
Secondly, the acoustic studies done for baseline testing do not adequately incorporate the 18 months of constant construction that has been going on in our streets (due to another approved data centre). We have not had a single stretch of time long enough to make an accurate study due to ongoing water and data cable works. One of the most sensitive receivers, in Banksia Close suffered construction noise on both sides of the cul-de-sac, however there is little reference to this. Further, background traffic noise is used to inflate background noise, when in fact this cannot be heard for much of the time and depends on weather conditions. Often there is no background noise bar the birds. Without any of this data centre construction, none of the above noise would be happening
Compounding the acoustic problems of both the studies and the proposal is the fact that a height variation has been requested that is 57% higher than currently allowed. It assumes this will have little further impact which is not correct. Much of the mechanical equipment including diesel generators and cooling towers will be on the rooftops of buildings that sit alongside residential areas and parkland. It will now be amplified from the high rooftop. The community nursery, which is classified recreational land (it is not) sits only about 15 meters away… I note also that diesel generation testing will need to be conducted every day as each needs to be tested quarterly but this has been deemed not significant to be part of an acoustic report.
Thirdly, the sensitive receivers omit many areas outside the immediate border that will be sensitive to the noise, both construction and operational. The Lane Cove valley serves to amplify sound. Many of the houses particularly along this valley ridgeline are not even considered in this data. Considering the investment we have in our properties, to be generalised, without due consideration of the impact of this proposal on all houses is not professional and does not follow SEARS guidelines.
My second concern is the lack of community consultation. I am fully aware of the consultation that occurred in the form of leaflet drops, drop-in sessions and at the library. The scale and impact of the development was not made clear however and there was a reliance on less participation rather than more. Bushcare dog walkers, park users, families and those of non-English were not actively engaged. Active door knocking affected areas with the EIS plans, before exhibition should have been a minimum requirement. There was limited information available and real engagement was never encouraged. Further to this, the social and economic benefits are likely to be negative. The jobs lost in the industrial estate would amount to hundreds and it will be difficult for SME’s to find city space. The ongoing operations of this data centre will employ only 26 people.
As for the residents. Our house value will be reduced and our standard of living impacted. Living near a data centre that emits noise 24/7, not to mention the 3 years of construction will affect personal wellbeing and cause local residents to leave. The huge personal and economic impacts of this proposal should be enough to stop such a development going ahead in such an unsuitable location. There are other areas that are not close to houses, that are bordered by industrial, not park and residential land. These are the areas that are appropriate for development.
In conclusion, I understand that data centres are a necessary part of our future but once built, they are a permanent fixture in the lives of those who surround them and there is no mitigation of visual, acoustic or air quality. This is why sustainable development is important and why this date centre is the wrong location. Compounding the obvious problems is the sourcing of power and electricity which has not been addressed in this proposal (in contravention to SEARS I believe), beyond existing infrastructure which is already proving inadequate for the needs of a current data centre in the immediate vicinity.
For all the reasons above this is the wrong site for this proposal.
This proposal will greatly affect the livelihood of my whole family. I am surprised that there has been no independent evaluation of the data given in the EIS, particularly relating to the impacts of businesses, residents and the parkland. The EIS downplays and minimises many concerns and has not actively and properly engaged in community concerns.
My house is only 100 metres away. I have lived here many years in harmony with the business park. The general industrial zoning has not concerned me because I have known that businesses do not operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and whatever the noise, it is transitional in nature and falls silent on the weekend.
My greatest concern is that the acoustic studies are not fully independent and they are methodologically unsound. The timescale and resources for it were dictated by Goodman Group as indicated in the report and thus the contracted company admit they have been limited by this. The full report is lacking in crucial data, uses unrepresentative baseline data, downplays both construction and operational noise and makes no realistic assessment of the low-frequency sound and its cumulative impacts with other data centres here. Further to this, the mitigation for any of the noise is non-binding and once approval of this development goes through, there is no formal way to stop the developer doing as they like, in their normal course of business.
Secondly, the acoustic studies done for baseline testing do not adequately incorporate the 18 months of constant construction that has been going on in our streets (due to another approved data centre). We have not had a single stretch of time long enough to make an accurate study due to ongoing water and data cable works. One of the most sensitive receivers, in Banksia Close suffered construction noise on both sides of the cul-de-sac, however there is little reference to this. Further, background traffic noise is used to inflate background noise, when in fact this cannot be heard for much of the time and depends on weather conditions. Often there is no background noise bar the birds. Without any of this data centre construction, none of the above noise would be happening
Compounding the acoustic problems of both the studies and the proposal is the fact that a height variation has been requested that is 57% higher than currently allowed. It assumes this will have little further impact which is not correct. Much of the mechanical equipment including diesel generators and cooling towers will be on the rooftops of buildings that sit alongside residential areas and parkland. It will now be amplified from the high rooftop. The community nursery, which is classified recreational land (it is not) sits only about 15 meters away… I note also that diesel generation testing will need to be conducted every day as each needs to be tested quarterly but this has been deemed not significant to be part of an acoustic report.
Thirdly, the sensitive receivers omit many areas outside the immediate border that will be sensitive to the noise, both construction and operational. The Lane Cove valley serves to amplify sound. Many of the houses particularly along this valley ridgeline are not even considered in this data. Considering the investment we have in our properties, to be generalised, without due consideration of the impact of this proposal on all houses is not professional and does not follow SEARS guidelines.
My second concern is the lack of community consultation. I am fully aware of the consultation that occurred in the form of leaflet drops, drop-in sessions and at the library. The scale and impact of the development was not made clear however and there was a reliance on less participation rather than more. Bushcare dog walkers, park users, families and those of non-English were not actively engaged. Active door knocking affected areas with the EIS plans, before exhibition should have been a minimum requirement. There was limited information available and real engagement was never encouraged. Further to this, the social and economic benefits are likely to be negative. The jobs lost in the industrial estate would amount to hundreds and it will be difficult for SME’s to find city space. The ongoing operations of this data centre will employ only 26 people.
As for the residents. Our house value will be reduced and our standard of living impacted. Living near a data centre that emits noise 24/7, not to mention the 3 years of construction will affect personal wellbeing and cause local residents to leave. The huge personal and economic impacts of this proposal should be enough to stop such a development going ahead in such an unsuitable location. There are other areas that are not close to houses, that are bordered by industrial, not park and residential land. These are the areas that are appropriate for development.
In conclusion, I understand that data centres are a necessary part of our future but once built, they are a permanent fixture in the lives of those who surround them and there is no mitigation of visual, acoustic or air quality. This is why sustainable development is important and why this date centre is the wrong location. Compounding the obvious problems is the sourcing of power and electricity which has not been addressed in this proposal (in contravention to SEARS I believe), beyond existing infrastructure which is already proving inadequate for the needs of a current data centre in the immediate vicinity.
For all the reasons above this is the wrong site for this proposal.
Attachments
Richard Kelsey
Object
Richard Kelsey
Object
LANE COVE WEST
,
New South Wales
Message
Richard Kelsey
11 Gardenia Avenue
Lane Cove West
NSW 2066
[email protected]
28 April 2026
Re: Objection to Development Application SSD-82052708 (Project Mars) — Proposed Data Centre, Lane Cove West Business Park
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing as a resident of Lane Cove West to formally object to the proposed data centre development at the Lane Cove West Business Park (Project Mars, SSD-82052708).
My objection is grounded in the scale and inappropriateness of this development for a suburban residential area, not opposition to data infrastructure in principle.
The proposal is a 22,000m2 industrial building, 28.3 metres high, located less than 50 metres from homes and 160 metres from a public school and childcare facilities. That is not a commercial building in an industrial precinct. That is heavy industry placed at the boundary of where families live and children learn. The 57% height exceedance alone signals that this proposal does not fit this location.
The operational impacts compound this concern significantly. 49 diesel generators running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, adjacent to a residential area and school is not a planning question about noise attenuation. It is a question about whether this site is appropriate at all. Over 1 million litres of diesel fuel and 194,000 kg of lithium batteries stored on site presents a material safety risk that has not been adequately addressed in the proposal.
The construction phase stretches to three years of activity Monday through Saturday, with removal of 90 trees, asbestos demolition, and continuous noise and dust generation. Residents in this area will bear that cost in full, with no compensating benefit to the local community.
Beyond the individual project, I am also concerned about cumulative impact. Lane Cove West is now proposed as a cluster site for data centre development. The Member for Lane Cove, Anthony Roberts MP, has noted that 10 to 12 approved or proposed facilities in this area would draw water at the same order of magnitude as 9.6 to 11.5 gigalitres per year and already represent around 90 megawatts of electricity demand concentrated within a suburban corridor. That concentration is not something the existing infrastructure, including water mains with a documented failure history in this area, is equipped to support.
Data centres are necessary infrastructure. The question is where to put them. A site less than 50 metres from homes, adjacent to a park used daily by families and children, and 160 metres from a school, is the wrong answer to that question.
I urge the Department to refuse this application.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Kelsey
11 Gardenia Avenue
Lane Cove West
NSW 2066
[email protected]
28 April 2026
Re: Objection to Development Application SSD-82052708 (Project Mars) — Proposed Data Centre, Lane Cove West Business Park
To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing as a resident of Lane Cove West to formally object to the proposed data centre development at the Lane Cove West Business Park (Project Mars, SSD-82052708).
My objection is grounded in the scale and inappropriateness of this development for a suburban residential area, not opposition to data infrastructure in principle.
The proposal is a 22,000m2 industrial building, 28.3 metres high, located less than 50 metres from homes and 160 metres from a public school and childcare facilities. That is not a commercial building in an industrial precinct. That is heavy industry placed at the boundary of where families live and children learn. The 57% height exceedance alone signals that this proposal does not fit this location.
The operational impacts compound this concern significantly. 49 diesel generators running 24 hours a day, seven days a week, adjacent to a residential area and school is not a planning question about noise attenuation. It is a question about whether this site is appropriate at all. Over 1 million litres of diesel fuel and 194,000 kg of lithium batteries stored on site presents a material safety risk that has not been adequately addressed in the proposal.
The construction phase stretches to three years of activity Monday through Saturday, with removal of 90 trees, asbestos demolition, and continuous noise and dust generation. Residents in this area will bear that cost in full, with no compensating benefit to the local community.
Beyond the individual project, I am also concerned about cumulative impact. Lane Cove West is now proposed as a cluster site for data centre development. The Member for Lane Cove, Anthony Roberts MP, has noted that 10 to 12 approved or proposed facilities in this area would draw water at the same order of magnitude as 9.6 to 11.5 gigalitres per year and already represent around 90 megawatts of electricity demand concentrated within a suburban corridor. That concentration is not something the existing infrastructure, including water mains with a documented failure history in this area, is equipped to support.
Data centres are necessary infrastructure. The question is where to put them. A site less than 50 metres from homes, adjacent to a park used daily by families and children, and 160 metres from a school, is the wrong answer to that question.
I urge the Department to refuse this application.
Yours sincerely,
Richard Kelsey