Proposed 1200-megawatt data centre in Adelaide Hills sparks community opposition

Consensus Summary

A proposed 1200-megawatt data centre in Tungkillo, Adelaide Hills, has ignited fierce opposition from local farmers and residents who fear it will permanently alter the region’s rural landscape. Developer Quantum DC plans to build the facility on a 220-hectare site, with infrastructure spread across 120 hectares, near existing energy projects. The project, described as 'multibillion-dollar,' would require between 150 million and 250 million litres of water for construction, followed by an annual demand of 20 million litres once operational. Community concerns center on environmental impacts, including noise, light pollution, and the loss of natural habitats, with residents like Magdalene Teghe and Magdalene Lippett warning of irreversible damage to the area’s character.

The controversy stems from Quantum DC’s decision to pursue South Australia’s Essential Infrastructure assessment pathway, which includes a 15-day public consultation period. Critics argue the project’s scale warrants deeper scrutiny, with farmers demanding no shortcuts in the approval process. The site’s proximity to the River Murray Dark Sky Reserve has also raised alarms about light pollution, as the area is protected for its astronomical significance. Quantum DC has emphasized its commitment to environmental studies and minimizing impacts, but locals remain skeptical, particularly about the project’s potential to disrupt agriculture and wildlife in one of the state’s most picturesque regions.

Key figures in the debate include Quantum DC’s CEO, Alby Tomassi, who has stressed the company’s willingness to engage with the community and adapt based on feedback. Residents like Matt Loder and Maurice Collins have become vocal opponents, highlighting the loss of natural features such as a 500-year-old tree and the disruption to livestock and pollinators. Political support for the opposition has also emerged, with Liberal, Greens, and One Nation representatives attending a community rally in Mannum, though they differ on broader policy approaches to data centres. The cancellation of a planned forum due to a bomb threat further escalated tensions, underscoring the community’s deep-seated fears about the project’s progression.

While both 7NEWS and ABC agree on the core details of the project—its size, location, and water requirements—they differ in emphasis. 7NEWS focuses on the immediate environmental and agricultural threats, including the potential loss of iconic trees and the disruption to farming practices. ABC, however, highlights the project’s proximity to the Dark Sky Reserve and the broader political response, including calls for a moratorium on new data centres. Additionally, ABC provides more specific distances, such as the site being 55 kilometres east of Adelaide and 5 kilometres outside the reserve, while 7NEWS uses more qualitative descriptions. These differences reflect varying priorities in the coverage, from local ecological concerns to regional planning and political implications.

The next steps remain uncertain, with Quantum DC rescheduling community consultations for November 20 and 21 and promising to address concerns before submitting a formal development application. The state government has yet to receive any official documentation, and the assessment process—whether through the Essential Infrastructure pathway or a more rigorous review—will determine the project’s fate. Residents have vowed to continue their opposition, exploring all legal means to block the development, while Quantum DC insists on further dialogue. The outcome hinges on balancing economic development with the preservation of the Adelaide Hills’ rural and environmental values, a debate that is far from resolved.