Data centre opposition is growing in Australia. Is there a middle ground?
At least three data centre plans have been shelved recently amid fears over water and power supply, noise levels and environmental damage
Last month, property developer Goodman Group withdrew its application for a 90-megawatt data centre in Lane Cove, on Sydney’s lower north shore, after months of opposition from residents about the potential impact on their electricity and water supplies, noise pollution and other concerns.
In a press statement, Goodman said it had considered changes in the policy and regulatory environment, as well as feedback from residents.
It is not the first time that a developer has pulled the plug on a proposed data centre in Australia this year.
