Grim fears Sydney suburb will be turned into a 'data centre wasteland' as plans for a seventh eyesore spark backlash

Published: 02:20, 17 August 2026 | Updated: 02:20, 17 August 2026 Locals fear their suburb is being turned into a 'data centre wasteland' after plans emerged for a seventh facility to be built in their backyard.  The 65m high, 46,935sq metre data centre is proposed for 269 Lane Cove Road at Macquarie Park, north-west Sydney. Macquarie Data Centres already operates two sites, and has a third under construction, while Stockland owns one and NextDC oversees two. The proposed seventh facility, run by NextDC, would use up to 90 megawatts in power, and loom over Macquarie Park Metro Station entrance.  City of Ryde has hit back at the plans, with its mayor Trenton Brown believing the land would be better used for housing or jobs. Locals have also joined in the chorus.  'Bleeding ridiculous - that area is already an overcrowded mess - a perfect example of what a mess Sydney planning has been in the last 40 years,' one said.  'This can’t go ahead until there is a further Parliamentary Inquiry with direct and evidence on the cumulative impact,' a second said.  'They will destroy Lane Cove river and electricity supply,' another added. Outrage over fears a Sydney suburb is being turned into a 'data centre wasteland' is mounting as plans to build another centre forge ahead Others saw no problem with another data centre.  'There are so many of these around, better than apartments with more congestion. We need more internet and less people,' one said.  'Great news, critical skills and the industry of the future, we need more. We need to remain competitive and keep investing in the knowledge economy,' a second said.  Data Centres Australia chief executive Belinda Dennett defended the proposal, using the metro station to argue that data centres helped support businesses and jobs in the same way other industries did. 'If you look at that railway station that you've just talked about, not many people work in the railway station, but the railway enables a lot of economic activity,' she told ABC radio.  'It moves people from workplace to workplace and data centres are very much the same thing.' Ms Dennett wasn't able to comment on whether the project would benefit residents or the community when pressed by host Hamish Macdonald.  'I don't think it's my personal view that is particularly relevant here,' she said. The 65m high, 46,935 square metre data centre at 269 Lane Cove Road at Macquarie Park, 13km north of Sydney, would become the sixth one there if approved 'I'm also not a Sydney resident, so I'm not particularly familiar with the specific site you're talking about.  'What I think we need to have is more engagement at a planning level to decide what we think works and what doesn't work.'  NextDC said in its planning submission the proposed facility would play 'a pivotal role in enhancing the local economy by creating significant job opportunities within the community'.  It expected the centre to create up to 942 construction jobs and 490 permanent 'specialist and operational' positions once completed. The submission also said the site was 'highly accessible' to both public transport users and motorists, helping support its case for the development.  Daily Mail contacted NextDC for comment.