Goodman Group withdrew its Project Mars application for a 90-megawatt data centre valued at A$1.2 billion (US$841.9 million) in Sydney’s Lane Cove, citing policy and regulatory changes and planning feedback. Residents opposed it; the site was to be about 20 metres from homes.
Data centre projects in Australia face scrutiny over their environmental footprint, heavy energy and water use, possible effects on power bills and potential noise pollution, as the country seeks to become a global hub for the industry.
During a Senate inquiry the previous week, Goodman conceded Project Mars had failed to secure a “social licence.” A lawmaker had accused the company of showing contempt for local residents.
