EPA lodges first data centre objection
A proposed Melbourne data centre campus has run into opposition from Victoria’s environmental watchdog, which has lodged its first formal objection to an asset of this type in the state.
The Environment Protection Authority has opposed Singapore-based Zerra DC’s application for a six-building data centre campus at 300-340 Barry Road, part of the former Ford Broadmeadows Assembly Plant, at Campbellfield.
Project Dune has a proposed power capacity of 336MW and is estimated to cost about $1.1 billion
The concerns relate to potential noise risks and the cumulative impacts associated with the overall site layout and development.
Also this week we are reporting Zerra applied to build a major data centre campus in Queensland.
Campbellfield data centre
The planning application was lodged with the Department of Transport and Planning in April under the Development Facilitation Program, which allows the planning minister or DTP to determine eligible projects.
A public notice period began last month (continues below).
The minister has yet to determine the application.
Application to be tweaked
Zerra said this week it is working through the EPA’s feedback with specialist acoustic consultants.
The proposed campus would occupy part of the former Ford site, which was sold to Pelligra Group in 2019 after Ford ended Australian manufacturing there in 2016.
The EPA’s objection is understood to be its first formal objection to a data centre proposal in Victoria.
The development is one of a growing number of large data centre proposals being pursued across Victoria, including AirTrunk’s proposed seven-building campus at nearby Mickleham.
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