Hunter data centre plan faces 88% opposition in formal submissions
671 of 759 public submissions oppose AirTrunk's proposed 540-megawatt data centre.
Reported by Newcastle HeraldClaims checked against the source, 13 h ago.
ShareWhy it matters
This determines whether a facility running 24/7 for decades will reshape the Hunter region's noise, power use and employment.
In Australia. The Hunter's planning decision will determine whether 254 to 350 jobs come to the region, and what price Kurri Kurri pays in noise and power use.
Key facts
- 671 of 759 submissions (88%)
- Opposition rate
- 540 megawatts
- Power output
- $3.7 billion
- Development cost
- 350 claimed versus 254 in company report
- Jobs discrepancy
- About 88 per cent of the 759 public submissions rejected AirTrunk's data centre plan.
- The facility would be built on Hart Road near Kurri Kurri and run at 540 megawatts.
- Residents worried about noise from cooling systems and diesel generators running all day and night, higher power costs, and AirTrunk's job numbers.
- The company says 350 ongoing jobs, but its own report says 254.
- Noise predictions left no margin between predicted levels and legal limits.
- Community group RADIKKAL called on the Department of Planning to send the application to the Independent Planning Commission for a public hearing.
- Some supporters noted the site's industrial past and the lack of truck movements like the old aluminium smelter had.
- The department is reviewing the submissions.
