Quantum DC pauses Tungkillo data centre as Greens move in Parliament

The move follows a community briefing that InDaily said was reportedly shut down by a bomb threat last month. Earlier, we covered the political fight over the project.

On Thursday, Quantum DC chief executive Alby Tomassi said the Melbourne-based company had “misread the strength of feeling” about the proposal and apologised, InDaily said. The company plans what it called a more comprehensive engagement programme. InDaily said the pause came after strong local opposition to the Tungkillo proposal, and its report was published on 11 November and updated on 12 November.

The numbers

An online petition launched on 26 October had 13,510 signatures at the time of InDaily’s report.

Quantum DC says the facility would use about 20 megalitres of water a year and meet 80 per cent of its electricity needs from wind and solar, connecting to existing ElectraNet lines, according to the same report.

Tomassi listed the concerns the company has heard. They cover water use, electricity and energy infrastructure, farmland and the River Murray International Dark Sky Reserve, plus lighting, noise and traffic. Others are bushfire risk, ecology, Aboriginal cultural heritage and whether the region would benefit.

What’s next

InDaily reported that Energy Minister Tom Koutsantonis said Quantum DC made no serious attempt to contact the government, and that the government is working on legislation to regulate data centres.

Liberal MP Nicola Centofanti said residents had raised legitimate questions, and she called for data centres to be included in the terms of reference for the state’s Royal Commission into AI, InDaily said.

Tomassi said the company would not lodge a development application this year. InDaily’s report did not set a date for the engagement programme or for any future lodgement.

This story is based on reporting by InDaily. The Australian Developer has not independently verified the company’s figures.