Adelaide Hills farmers oppose 1200MW Quantum DC data centre at Tungkillo

Farmers and residents in the Adelaide Hills are mounting opposition to a multibillion-dollar data centre planned for Tungkillo, east of Adelaide. The developer, Quantum DC, wants a 1200-megawatt facility on land that has been used for farming and grazing.

The developer's website describes a 220-hectare site, with buildings and equipment occupying about 120 hectares. The balance would stay under grazing. Plans also take in electricity substations and gas-fired generators alongside the data halls. Project documents put construction water needs at 150 million to 250 million litres, then roughly 20 million litres each year in operation.

Residents say a local newspaper was how they found out about the plan, and they want it examined at the most rigorous level of public review. Much of the objection targets the approval route, because Quantum DC is seeking to use the state's Essential Infrastructure assessment process, which allows 15 days for public submissions. Farmer Matt Loder said the community wanted "Not a fast-track, no special favours, no shortcuts".

Resident Magdalene Teghe told 7NEWS the site would be one of the largest on the planet. She said the effect on local farmers and livestock, including pollinators, sheep and cattle, could be "detrimental". Farmer Maurice Collins fears the area's natural environment, including its birdsong, will be lost.

Locals have started a petition ahead of consultation sessions scheduled for the week of the report.

In a statement, Quantum DC said the site is close to two approved energy projects, and that environmental and heritage studies are under way to limit impacts. The company added that parts of the property will remain grazing land and that work on the site's suitability continues.