Blue Mountains community opposes $4.8 m Katoomba data centre

A $4.8 million data centre proposed for North Katoomba, New South Wales, would employ two to five staff and sit on a residential street near a school and park. Residents, including Jackie Manners, Letitia Kemister and Melanie Turner, have organised protests, citing concerns over 24‑hour low‑frequency noise, increased electricity demand, water consumption and the use of PFAS chemicals in cooling systems. They also warn that the site’s proximity to a World Heritage‑listed area could damage the Blue Mountains’ heritage values and that the asset‑protection zones for bushfire safety are below minimum standards.

Mayor Mark Greenhill and the Blue Mountains council have voiced strong opposition, calling the project a “threat to peace” and a “diabolical idea”. MAK Urban Group’s general manager Mohammad Hammoud argues the design is robust, non‑combustible and incorporates low‑carbon materials and heat‑capture technology. The application is on public exhibition until 8 July and is likely to be referred to the state government’s independent planning panel for a decision.

The dispute reflects broader tensions in Australia’s data‑centre boom, with national leaders touting the sector’s growth while local communities raise environmental and quality‑of‑life concerns.