Community Concerns Prompt Major Tungkillo Shake Up
Plans for a massive AI data centre at Tungkillo have been put on hold, with developer Quantum DC acknowledging it underestimated the strength of community opposition to the controversial proposal.
In a statement released this morning (Thursday, November 12), the company confirmed it was pausing the planning approvals process for its proposed Tungkillo Compute and Energy Hub and resetting its approach to community consultation.
Quantum DC CEO Alby Tomassi said the company would not seek Crown Sponsorship or lodge a Development Application this year, allowing more time to address community concerns and independently review specialist studies.
“I want the community to know that we have heard them,” Mr Tomassi said.
“We misread the strength of feeling about this proposal and acknowledge the first weeks of our early engagement created more questions than answers.”
He also apologised for the frustration and disappointment caused by the company’s initial approach.
Community Concerns Prompt Rethink
The announcement follows growing opposition to the proposed 1,200-megawatt development, with residents raising concerns about its potential impact on the surrounding rural landscape and communities.
Quantum DC confirmed more than 350 people had contacted the company, while a consolidated list of 432 detailed questions had been submitted on behalf of community members.
Concerns include water and energy use, noise, lighting, impacts on the night sky, traffic, bushfire risk, agricultural land and the local environment.
The company now intends to establish a longer-term consultation program involving residents, community groups, businesses, Mid Murray Council and other local organisations.
It has also proposed establishing a Community Advisory Group to help shape the development.
An independent panel of experts will be brought together to review technical studies and assess whether the proposal adequately addresses community concerns, with findings to be made public.
November Community Meetings Cancelled
As part of the reset, the community information sessions scheduled for November 20 and 21 at Mannum Leisure Centre will no longer go ahead.
Quantum DC says these will be replaced by a more comprehensive engagement program, with further details to be announced.
Importantly, the company has not abandoned the development.
“We are open to ideas that help shape this proposal, and nothing in the design is off the table,” Mr Tomassi said.
“If the process shows that parts of the proposal need to change, they will change.”
Quantum DC says specialist studies will continue, and it intends to brief Mid Murray Council, local MPs and the State Government on its revised approach.
While the pause represents a significant development for residents who have been calling for greater scrutiny of the proposal, the future of the Tungkillo Compute and Energy Hub remains unresolved.
Community Rally to Go Ahead
Despite today’s announcement, a planned rally on the steps of Parliament House in Adelaide will still go ahead this Sunday, November 15.
Organisers have warned residents not to mistake Quantum DC’s decision to pause the approval process for a victory, stressing that the developer has not abandoned its plans.
