Stop the construction of a data centre in Spotswood, Victoria
The issue
We strongly oppose the proposed data centre at Simcock Avenue, Spotswood
https://nodatacentreinspotswood.com/
The GreenSquareDC proposal at 44–76 Simcock Avenue, Spotswood, places a large industrial facility of up to 240 MW right beside established kindergarten and residential streets and homes, including families with young children. This is the wrong location. Data centres belong in proper industrial zones, not metres from family homes.
Key risks include:
Hard-to-extinguish fires: Modern data centres rely on large lithium-ion battery systems. These can enter thermal runaway, producing intense heat, toxic gases, and fires that are extremely difficult to put out and can re-ignite hours or days later. Standard firefighting methods often fail without continuous specialised cooling.
High-voltage underground power infrastructure: The development requires a 220kV high-voltage underground transmission cable to be installed along The Avenue, resulting in major excavation works through a residential street. This would cause significant construction disruption, traffic impacts, and place major electricity transmission infrastructure directly beneath a family neighbourhood, raising concerns about safety, electromagnetic fields, and the long-term amenity of the area.
Significant heat emissions: These facilities generate enormous amounts of heat from servers running non-stop. People who have worked on data centres confirm the heat output is massive. Cooling systems then dump that heat straight into the surrounding environment, raising local temperatures and making nearby homes and outdoor spaces less liveable, especially in Melbourne summers.
Constant industrial humming: Cooling systems, fans, and transformers produce a continuous low-frequency drone 24 hours a day. Nearby residents elsewhere report sleep disruption, headaches, stress, and reduced quality of life. Backup generator testing is even louder.
Many unknowns: The long-term health effects of continuous low-frequency noise and infrasound are still poorly understood. The scale of modern AI-focused data centres is relatively new, and The long-term impacts of large AI-scale data centres operating next to residential neighbourhoods are still being studied. Residents should not become the test case for this emerging infrastructure.
Air quality and other impacts: Backup generators emit fine particles and nitrogen oxides linked to respiratory problems, a particular concern for children. Add construction traffic, heat emissions, loss of amenity, and pressure on local infrastructure.
Construction fatigue: Spotswood has already been through significant local construction in recent years. Now the major Spotswood rail project (Hudsons Road level crossing removal and new station) will soon be underway and will bring years of disruption. Adding a large data centre construction site on top of this is simply too much for residents, especially families and young children living next to the site. Prolonged truck movements, dust, noise and upheaval from multiple major projects wear people down and seriously reduce quality of life.
No real community benefit: Don’t fall for the spin. Data centres need very few staff once built, the buildings are largely empty of people. They will not create meaningful ongoing local jobs and will do almost nothing to support nearby cafes, shops or small businesses. There is no genuine community upside here, just the downsides dumped on residents. And let’s shut down these weak excuses right now.
"What else could go there?" Plenty. Business parks, offices, research facilities, technology campuses, local retail, cafes, restaurants, recreation facilities and other commercial uses that actually benefit the community. These developments create jobs, attract people, support local businesses and fit alongside residential neighbourhoods, without the constant industrial noise, massive electricity infrastructure, bulk fuel storage and other impacts associated with hyperscale data centres.
“There’s already industrial stuff around here.” Yeah, we knew about that before we moved in to Spotswood. This is completely different and far worse. We don’t fully understand the risks of these massive data centres , the fires that won’t go out, the constant drone, the air quality hits, the unknowns. And this area could desperately use more places people actually want to spend time in, not another industrial behemoth that never sleeps. There are better options. Stop pretending this is the only choice.
Once a 240MW industrial data centre is approved beside residential housing, it sets a precedent for similar heavy infrastructure to be considered acceptable next to homes elsewhere in Melbourne. Planning decisions should protect residential neighbourhoods by directing this type of development to established industrial precincts that are well separated from houses, schools and kindergartens.
There are better sites for this kind of development. Successful data centre projects exist on former industrial land that does not push heavy industry against people’s houses. GreenSquaredc is backed by major private equity with deep resources, they can easily choose a location far away from homes and a kindergarten instead of placing this facility in the middle of a residential community. Putting a massive data centre next to houses and a kindergarten is a pure profit decision that dumps the noise, heat, air quality and amenity impacts on the local community. That's greed, not good planning
The west should not become Melbourne's dumping ground
There is a growing perception that Melbourne's west is being treated as the easy location for heavy industrial developments that other communities would strongly resist. Decisions appear to be driven by commercial returns and increased rate revenue, while local residents are left to bear the long-term impacts. We receive the noise, construction disruption, industrial infrastructure and loss of amenity, while the financial benefits flow elsewhere. Communities should not be expected to sacrifice their quality of life simply because they are considered the path of least resistance.
***IMPORTANT***
We are not affiliated with any political party, lobby group or government organisation. We are simply local residents who care deeply about our community and want planning decisions that protect the health, safety and quality of life of the people who live here. We support appropriate development, but it belongs in appropriate locations. A 240MW industrial-scale data centre should not be built beside homes, a kindergarten and community recreation facilities when more suitable industrial sites exist.
Contact the Decision-Makers
If you are concerned about the proposed data centre in Spotswood, please contact the representatives below.
The more residents who write, the harder our concerns are to ignore.
Sonya Kilkenny
Victorian Minister for Planning
The most important minister to contact. Planning sits directly within her portfolio. Ask her to examine every available power to review, intervene in or prevent an inappropriate data-centre development beside homes.
Planning Office: MIN.reception.kilkenny@transport.vic.gov.au
MP Email: sonya.kilkenny@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 8684 1111
Address: GPO Box 4356, Melbourne VIC 3001
Melissa Horne
Member for Williamstown
Our local State MP. She represents Spotswood and can take residents’ concerns directly into the Victorian Government and Cabinet. Our local representative needs to stand up for the community she represents.
Email: Melissa.Horne@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9399 9022
Address: 101 Douglas Parade, Williamstown VIC 3016
Ben Carroll
Premier of Victoria
The Premier leads the Victorian Government. He should hear directly from residents about the extraordinary concentration of data centres in Melbourne’s west and the need for the Government to protect communities from inappropriate locations.
Email: ben.carroll@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9379 5879
Address: 441 Keilor Road, Niddrie VIC 3042
Jaclyn Symes
Minister for Environment, Climate Action, Energy & Resources
Data centres can involve enormous electricity demand, backup generators, emissions, noise and environmental impacts. These issues sit directly within her portfolios and deserve proper scrutiny before more facilities are concentrated in Melbourne’s west.
Email: jaclyn.symes@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 5783 2000
Address: Shop 1, 87 Sydney Street, Kilmore VIC 3764
Anthony Carbines
Minister for Artificial Intelligence & Digital Economy
Data centres are specifically part of his portfolio. If the Victorian Government wants to encourage AI and digital investment, it must also take responsibility for where this infrastructure is located and how surrounding communities are affected.
Email: anthony.carbines@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9457 5328
Address: 149 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg VIC 3084
Tim Watts
Federal Member for Gellibrand
Our local Federal MP. He represents Spotswood federally and can advocate for residents on the infrastructure, energy and environmental consequences associated with the rapid growth of data centres in Melbourne’s west.
Email: Tim.Watts.MP@aph.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9687 7661
Address: Ground Floor, Units 2 & 3, 455 Melbourne Road, Newport VIC 3015
Murray Watt
Federal Minister for Environment & Water
The Federal Environment Minister should be made aware of the cumulative environmental impact of large data-centre developments and asked whether Commonwealth environmental protections or assessment requirements apply.
Minister: minister.watt@dcceew.gov.au
Senator: senator.watt@aph.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6277 7920
Address: PO Box 6100, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Chris Bowen
Federal Minister for Climate Change & Energy
Data centres consume extraordinary amounts of electricity and can place major demands on the electricity grid. The Federal Energy Minister should hear directly from communities being asked to accommodate this rapidly expanding industry.
Minister: minister.bowen@dcceew.gov.au
MP Email: Chris.Bowen.MP@aph.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6277 7120
Address: PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Please make your voice heard
Contact as many of these representatives as possible.
You do not need to write a long submission. A short, respectful and personal email explaining why you oppose placing a large data centre beside established residential communities can carry real weight.
The more residents who speak up, the stronger our message becomes.
299
The issue
We strongly oppose the proposed data centre at Simcock Avenue, Spotswood
https://nodatacentreinspotswood.com/
The GreenSquareDC proposal at 44–76 Simcock Avenue, Spotswood, places a large industrial facility of up to 240 MW right beside established kindergarten and residential streets and homes, including families with young children. This is the wrong location. Data centres belong in proper industrial zones, not metres from family homes.
Key risks include:
Hard-to-extinguish fires: Modern data centres rely on large lithium-ion battery systems. These can enter thermal runaway, producing intense heat, toxic gases, and fires that are extremely difficult to put out and can re-ignite hours or days later. Standard firefighting methods often fail without continuous specialised cooling.
High-voltage underground power infrastructure: The development requires a 220kV high-voltage underground transmission cable to be installed along The Avenue, resulting in major excavation works through a residential street. This would cause significant construction disruption, traffic impacts, and place major electricity transmission infrastructure directly beneath a family neighbourhood, raising concerns about safety, electromagnetic fields, and the long-term amenity of the area.
Significant heat emissions: These facilities generate enormous amounts of heat from servers running non-stop. People who have worked on data centres confirm the heat output is massive. Cooling systems then dump that heat straight into the surrounding environment, raising local temperatures and making nearby homes and outdoor spaces less liveable, especially in Melbourne summers.
Constant industrial humming: Cooling systems, fans, and transformers produce a continuous low-frequency drone 24 hours a day. Nearby residents elsewhere report sleep disruption, headaches, stress, and reduced quality of life. Backup generator testing is even louder.
Many unknowns: The long-term health effects of continuous low-frequency noise and infrasound are still poorly understood. The scale of modern AI-focused data centres is relatively new, and The long-term impacts of large AI-scale data centres operating next to residential neighbourhoods are still being studied. Residents should not become the test case for this emerging infrastructure.
Air quality and other impacts: Backup generators emit fine particles and nitrogen oxides linked to respiratory problems, a particular concern for children. Add construction traffic, heat emissions, loss of amenity, and pressure on local infrastructure.
Construction fatigue: Spotswood has already been through significant local construction in recent years. Now the major Spotswood rail project (Hudsons Road level crossing removal and new station) will soon be underway and will bring years of disruption. Adding a large data centre construction site on top of this is simply too much for residents, especially families and young children living next to the site. Prolonged truck movements, dust, noise and upheaval from multiple major projects wear people down and seriously reduce quality of life.
No real community benefit: Don’t fall for the spin. Data centres need very few staff once built, the buildings are largely empty of people. They will not create meaningful ongoing local jobs and will do almost nothing to support nearby cafes, shops or small businesses. There is no genuine community upside here, just the downsides dumped on residents. And let’s shut down these weak excuses right now.
"What else could go there?" Plenty. Business parks, offices, research facilities, technology campuses, local retail, cafes, restaurants, recreation facilities and other commercial uses that actually benefit the community. These developments create jobs, attract people, support local businesses and fit alongside residential neighbourhoods, without the constant industrial noise, massive electricity infrastructure, bulk fuel storage and other impacts associated with hyperscale data centres.
“There’s already industrial stuff around here.” Yeah, we knew about that before we moved in to Spotswood. This is completely different and far worse. We don’t fully understand the risks of these massive data centres , the fires that won’t go out, the constant drone, the air quality hits, the unknowns. And this area could desperately use more places people actually want to spend time in, not another industrial behemoth that never sleeps. There are better options. Stop pretending this is the only choice.
Once a 240MW industrial data centre is approved beside residential housing, it sets a precedent for similar heavy infrastructure to be considered acceptable next to homes elsewhere in Melbourne. Planning decisions should protect residential neighbourhoods by directing this type of development to established industrial precincts that are well separated from houses, schools and kindergartens.
There are better sites for this kind of development. Successful data centre projects exist on former industrial land that does not push heavy industry against people’s houses. GreenSquaredc is backed by major private equity with deep resources, they can easily choose a location far away from homes and a kindergarten instead of placing this facility in the middle of a residential community. Putting a massive data centre next to houses and a kindergarten is a pure profit decision that dumps the noise, heat, air quality and amenity impacts on the local community. That's greed, not good planning
The west should not become Melbourne's dumping ground
There is a growing perception that Melbourne's west is being treated as the easy location for heavy industrial developments that other communities would strongly resist. Decisions appear to be driven by commercial returns and increased rate revenue, while local residents are left to bear the long-term impacts. We receive the noise, construction disruption, industrial infrastructure and loss of amenity, while the financial benefits flow elsewhere. Communities should not be expected to sacrifice their quality of life simply because they are considered the path of least resistance.
***IMPORTANT***
We are not affiliated with any political party, lobby group or government organisation. We are simply local residents who care deeply about our community and want planning decisions that protect the health, safety and quality of life of the people who live here. We support appropriate development, but it belongs in appropriate locations. A 240MW industrial-scale data centre should not be built beside homes, a kindergarten and community recreation facilities when more suitable industrial sites exist.
Contact the Decision-Makers
If you are concerned about the proposed data centre in Spotswood, please contact the representatives below.
The more residents who write, the harder our concerns are to ignore.
Sonya Kilkenny
Victorian Minister for Planning
The most important minister to contact. Planning sits directly within her portfolio. Ask her to examine every available power to review, intervene in or prevent an inappropriate data-centre development beside homes.
Planning Office: MIN.reception.kilkenny@transport.vic.gov.au
MP Email: sonya.kilkenny@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 8684 1111
Address: GPO Box 4356, Melbourne VIC 3001
Melissa Horne
Member for Williamstown
Our local State MP. She represents Spotswood and can take residents’ concerns directly into the Victorian Government and Cabinet. Our local representative needs to stand up for the community she represents.
Email: Melissa.Horne@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9399 9022
Address: 101 Douglas Parade, Williamstown VIC 3016
Ben Carroll
Premier of Victoria
The Premier leads the Victorian Government. He should hear directly from residents about the extraordinary concentration of data centres in Melbourne’s west and the need for the Government to protect communities from inappropriate locations.
Email: ben.carroll@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9379 5879
Address: 441 Keilor Road, Niddrie VIC 3042
Jaclyn Symes
Minister for Environment, Climate Action, Energy & Resources
Data centres can involve enormous electricity demand, backup generators, emissions, noise and environmental impacts. These issues sit directly within her portfolios and deserve proper scrutiny before more facilities are concentrated in Melbourne’s west.
Email: jaclyn.symes@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 5783 2000
Address: Shop 1, 87 Sydney Street, Kilmore VIC 3764
Anthony Carbines
Minister for Artificial Intelligence & Digital Economy
Data centres are specifically part of his portfolio. If the Victorian Government wants to encourage AI and digital investment, it must also take responsibility for where this infrastructure is located and how surrounding communities are affected.
Email: anthony.carbines@parliament.vic.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9457 5328
Address: 149 Burgundy Street, Heidelberg VIC 3084
Tim Watts
Federal Member for Gellibrand
Our local Federal MP. He represents Spotswood federally and can advocate for residents on the infrastructure, energy and environmental consequences associated with the rapid growth of data centres in Melbourne’s west.
Email: Tim.Watts.MP@aph.gov.au
Phone: (03) 9687 7661
Address: Ground Floor, Units 2 & 3, 455 Melbourne Road, Newport VIC 3015
Murray Watt
Federal Minister for Environment & Water
The Federal Environment Minister should be made aware of the cumulative environmental impact of large data-centre developments and asked whether Commonwealth environmental protections or assessment requirements apply.
Minister: minister.watt@dcceew.gov.au
Senator: senator.watt@aph.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6277 7920
Address: PO Box 6100, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Chris Bowen
Federal Minister for Climate Change & Energy
Data centres consume extraordinary amounts of electricity and can place major demands on the electricity grid. The Federal Energy Minister should hear directly from communities being asked to accommodate this rapidly expanding industry.
Minister: minister.bowen@dcceew.gov.au
MP Email: Chris.Bowen.MP@aph.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6277 7120
Address: PO Box 6022, Parliament House, Canberra ACT 2600
Please make your voice heard
Contact as many of these representatives as possible.
You do not need to write a long submission. A short, respectful and personal email explaining why you oppose placing a large data centre beside established residential communities can carry real weight.
The more residents who speak up, the stronger our message becomes.
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Petition created on 7 August 2026