Tungkillo data centre meetings postponed
Quantum DC, the company which plans to build a “compute and energy hub” in the eastern Mount Lofty Ranges, has decided not to front up to the public until next month.
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Two public meetings have been postponed in the wake of a huge public backlash about plans to build a data centre at Tungkillo.
Proponents Quantum DC announced on Friday afternoon that a meeting scheduled to be held at Mannum on Saturday morning would not go ahead “in light of recent events”.
A previous meeting, scheduled to be held at Tungkillo on Thursday, was also cancelled after a reported bomb threat.
Quantum DC CEO Alby Tomassi said the decision was about ensuring public safety, and making sure “the full range of views” could be heard.
“It is our intent to continue to engage with this community in a way that creates a safe environment,” he said.
Three sessions will now be held at Mannum Leisure Centre on November 20 and 21: from 10am-12pm on the Friday and 11am-1pm and 2-4pm on the Saturday.
That venue has a capacity of about 200 people.
Mr Tomassi also promised to upload a response to frequently asked questions to the Quantum DC website “within 24 hours”.
In the week since the company’s plans became public, almost 5000 people have joined a Facebook group campaigning against it, and more than 4000 have signed a petition.
Community meeting votes no to data centre
About 600 opponents of the development reportedly gathered outside the Tungkillo Soldiers’ Memorial Hall on Thursday, even after the meeting was formally cancelled with a notice left on the door.
Community organiser Matt Loader said those assembled had unanimously declared their opposition to the data centre, and called for the proposal to be scrapped.
They also called on local and state authorities – including the Mid Murray council, MP Robert Roylance and Planning Minister Nick Champion – to reject it.
Mr Roylance has already declared his opposition to the development, while the council has raised questions about traffic management, fire risk, environmental impacts and light pollution.
