The residents of Tottenham/West Footscray are deeply concerned about the expansion of NextDC M3 Data Centre (Ministerial permit PA2604231), currently situated in very close proximity to housing in our neighbourhood. 

We understand the growing need to support digital infrastructure and the role these facilities play in our connected world. However, the NextDC M3 Data Centre is an inappropriate development for a site situated so close to residential housing. It should never have been approved. This expansion will add to the problems it is already causing.  

The rapid and aggressive development of the data centres in our area threatens the livability of our neighborhood. The pending expansion of this site raises further serious concerns about the continued lack of care and consideration for the cumulative health, financial, and environmental impacts on the residents.

Tottenham/West Footscray is a vibrant, close-knit community where families live. Preliminary research shows data centres should not be within 500 metres of residential areas. Within 500 metres of NextDC M3, there are:

• 857 homes* 
• 2,135 residents*
• a kindergarten
• a maternal and child health center 
• a swim school/pool
• 2 playgrounds  
• parks and a Stony Creek walking track.

The expansion of NextDC M3 will further expand this reach, affecting more residents. It will also more heavily impact those already within 500m of NextDC M3.  

There are significant health risks associated with the construction and operation of large data centres, including:

• air quality degradation from diesel backup generators,
• increased urban heat from industrial cooling systems, and
• noise and light pollution.

None of these concerns have been addressed in the current planning and approval process.

The financial implications for local homeowners must be considered. The presence of such large industrial projects depreciates residential property values, impacting families who have invested their lives and savings in this area.

Victorian planning laws offer little recourse. If this permit is approved by the Planning Minister, there is no right of appeal, even to VCAT. The next step is a Supreme Court Review, which only determines legality, not outcomes for local communities.    

We call upon the Planning Minister and development authorities to halt the expansion of the NextDC M3 Data Centre until exhaustive independent evaluations have been conducted. We demand a comprehensive community consultation process and evaluations of more suitable alternative locations for such an infrastructure project.

Please lend your support by signing this petition and sharing it widely among residents and concerned citizens alike. Our community's future depends on it. 

 
*Figures are approximate, very likely underestimated. Based on the average Australian household size of 2.5 people.