Plans for a seventh data center in Sydney's Macquarie Park have ignited local opposition, with residents expressing concerns that the area is transforming into a 'data centre wasteland.' The proposed facility, slated for 269 Lane Cove Road, would stand 65 meters high and span 46,935 square meters. This would add to the existing data center footprint in the area, which includes two sites operated by Macquarie Data Centres, one under construction by the same company, one owned by Stockland, and two managed by NextDC.
The new NextDC facility is projected to consume up to 90 megawatts of power and would be situated near the entrance of Macquarie Park Metro Station. City of Ryde mayor Trenton Brown has voiced opposition, suggesting the land could be better utilized for housing or job creation. Local sentiment echoes this, with one resident stating, "This can’t go ahead until there is a further Parliamentary Inquiry with direct and evidence on the cumulative impact." Concerns have also been raised about the potential strain on the Lane Cove River and the electricity supply.
However, not all residents share these concerns. Some see the data centers as preferable to further residential development, citing benefits such as increased internet capacity and reduced congestion. "Great news, critical skills and the industry of the future, we need more. We need to remain competitive and keep investing in the knowledge economy," commented one supporter.
Belinda Dennett, chief executive of Data Centres Australia, defended the proposals, drawing a parallel between data centers and public transport infrastructure. "If you look at that railway station that you've just talked about, not many people work in the railway station, but the railway enables a lot of economic activity," she told ABC radio. "It moves people from workplace to workplace and data centres are very much the same thing." Dennett acknowledged that more engagement at the planning level is needed to determine suitable development zones.
NextDC's planning submission for the proposed facility highlights its potential to boost the local economy by creating an estimated 942 construction jobs and 490 permanent specialist and operational positions. The submission also emphasizes the site's accessibility for both public transport users and motorists as a key factor supporting the development.