Adelaide Hills residents protest against proposed 1200MW AI data centre
Residents in the Adelaide Hills have launched opposition against a massive artificial intelligence data centre proposed for Tungkillo.
- Core Development: Residents in the Adelaide Hills have launched opposition against a massive artificial intelligence data centre proposed for Tungkillo.
- Beat Context: Categorized under Business with independent corroboration.
- Reporting Depth: 3 minute analytical read synthesized from verified newsroom sources.
Residents in the Adelaide Hills have launched fierce opposition against a massive digital infrastructure project, staging community rallies after developer Quantum DC postponed initial consultation sessions.
According to reports from UA.News and Abc News, the proposed facility would occupy land on Collins Road in Tungkillo, situated approximately 41 kilometres directly east of the Adelaide CBD. Residents in and around the region stated that they will fight the artificial intelligence data centre proposed for a block just outside of Mount Torrens. The project would cover an expanse larger than the current Colossus campus operated by Elon Musk's SpaceXSI, which is less than 100 hectares in size. In total, the infrastructure build would occupy a footprint roughly equivalent to one-third of Adelaide's central business district.
Media additions
Local organiser Magdalene Lippett stated that residents are worried about land use, local water supplies, and the impacts of noise and light pollution. She clarified that the community is not inherently against development, noting local acceptance of other initiatives like the Tungkillo Battery Energy Storage System being constructed at a nearby existing substation. Lippett stated that the community will pursue all legal means to prevent the construction of the data centre. She noted that she had communicated with Quantum DC officials by email, but they declined to attend a community event.
"There just has to be a point where we slow down a little bit and start to question what trade-offs we're giving up to have this AI data centre there and what are the risks for … primary production, the agriculture and the lifestyles of everyone around that area."
Magdalene Lippett, Local organiser, via ABC News
No formal planning application to construct the facility has been submitted to state planning authorities yet. Quantum DC chief executive Alby Tomassi defended the proposal, noting that the project aims to utilise captured and recirculated rainwater rather than tapping into the River Murray or local groundwater reserves. Tomassi also explained that electricity would be sourced through solar and wind contracts alongside two on-site substations connecting to existing ElectraNet power lines, with about 80 per cent of the electricity needs met this way, while an on-site gas-fired power station would provide firming capacity.
| Project Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Proposed Capacity | 1,200 Megawatts |
| Land Area | 120 hectares |
| Location | Collins Road, Tungkillo |
| Target Start Date for First Stage | 2028 |
Planning Minister Nick Champion emphasized that any future development application will face a rigorous planning system, including evaluation regarding power and water requirements. Champion stated that an application's assessment would be determined by the government, and could be handed to the State Commission Assessment Panel or to the minister for evaluation. Quantum DC chief executive Alby Tomassi defended the timing of the engagement strategy.
"We respect the community's views, and that is why our engagement is taking place before anything is lodged, so that we hear and consider those views first,"
Alby Tomassi, Chief executive, via ABC News
Meanwhile, political parties have aligned with protesters while maintaining distinct stances on broader policy. Government members did not attend a Saturday meeting in Mannum, but representatives from the opposition and crossbench did address protesters. Liberal upper house leader Nicola Centofanti noted that her party respects community sentiment, stating that her party is not against data centres but that the community is saying right from day dot that they do not want it there. Greens leader Robert Simms urged the state government to put a moratorium on any new data centres and to include data centres within their royal commission. One Nation MLC Carlos Quaremba also joined the opposition, pointing to potential risks versus rewards and referencing a recent move by the three parties to support a Greens motion to block gas fracking in the state's south-east.
Quantum DC has rescheduled its official consultation sessions for November 20 and November 21.
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Residents in the Adelaide Hills have launched opposition against a massive artificial intelligence data centre proposed for Tungkillo.
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This briefing was published on October 31, 2026 and is permanently cataloged in the Newsarchy UK Business archives.
