A community forum on the proposed Adelaide Hills data centre has been cancelled after developer Quantum DC received what it described as a “credible” bomb threat.
The company had been due to hold a drop-in session at Tungkillo Soldiers Memorial Hall on Thursday. The threat has been reported to South Australia Police.
Quantum DC chief executive Alby Tomassi said the business was “extremely disappointed” to postpone the event, but that “public safety must always take priority”.
“We had no choice but to make this decision,” he said. “We will share more information very soon about future opportunities for community engagement.”
Opposition to Adelaide Hills data centre plans
The cancellation comes amid growing opposition to plans for a 1,200-megawatt data centre on a 220-hectare site at Tungkillo, east of Adelaide.
The land is traditionally used for grazing and agriculture, and residents say they only became aware of the proposal after it was reported in a local newspaper. They are calling for the development to face the highest level of public scrutiny.
Quantum DC is seeking to have the project assessed through South Australia’s Essential Infrastructure pathway, which includes a 15-day public consultation period.
Farmer Matt Loder said locals did not want the scheme to be fast-tracked or given “special favours” or “shortcuts”.
“It’s really, really important to think about the real local values of this community and of this landscape before we make a decision which could destroy it forever,” he said.
The proposed development would include data centre facilities, electricity substations and gas-fired generators. Project documents say construction would require between 150 million and 250 million litres of water, with annual demand of about 20 million litres once the site was operating.
Residents and neighbouring landholders fear the project could permanently alter the character of the farming region. Magdalene Teghe said its impact on farmers, livestock and pollinators could be detrimental.
Farmer Maurice Collins said the area’s natural environment was also at risk. “The birds, it’s just amazing, the song of the birds. That’s all going to disappear,” he said.
A petition has been launched and local residents have begun organising opposition ahead of the consultation process. One farmer said old trees and other features of the landscape could not simply be replaced.
“You can’t replicate this,” he said. “You can’t cut down a 500-year-old tree and say we’re going to put in some tube stock to replace it.”
Quantum DC said the site was near two approved energy projects and that environmental and heritage assessments were under way. The company said investigations into the land’s suitability were continuing, while significant portions of the property would remain available for grazing.
