(Nov 12): A vast data centre project near Adelaide has been suspended following community opposition, at least the third Australian development to be waylaid in recent weeks as public opposition grows. 

Quantum DC Pty Ltd said Thursday it paused the planning approvals programme for a proposed 1,200-megawatt hyperscale data centre in South Australia. It said it won’t submit a development application this year.

There are “significant concerns about the project from some community members”, Quantum said in a statement. The company pointed to worries over the Tungkillo development’s location, its water use and supply, energy infrastructure, and the impact on farmland.

Nextdc Ltd chief executive officer Craig Scroggie this week vowed to make communities his top priority after local backlash delayed a major data centre project in Melbourne. Stockland Corp abandoned plans for a Sydney data centre following similar opposition. Worldwide, the sites face fierce opposition over their energy and water impacts, and concerns about the environmental fallout. 

Quantum also scrapped two community information sessions about Tungkillo planned for later this month, and said they’ll be replaced by a “longer-term engagement programme”. It is the company’s only project, according to its website.

Uploaded by Chng Shear Lane