South Australian Town Pushes Back on Data Centre Near Dark-Sky Reserve

Residents of Tungkillo in South Australia are raising objections to a proposed hyperscale data centre and energy hub planned near their region's dark-sky reserve. The project, put forward by Melbourne-based company Quantum DC, has stirred fears that it could alter the character of the rural landscape.

Community members say their biggest worry is light pollution. They fear the scale of the development could make it harder to view stars even from areas well outside major cities, undermining an experience that currently draws visitors to the region.

Noise from the facility's operations is another concern, with locals saying it could disturb the quiet rural setting that stargazers and tourists come to enjoy. Although the proposed site lies about 5 km from the River Murray Dark Sky Reserve, residents say impacts could still extend across the broader landscape.

Quantum DC has pointed to the area's existing energy infrastructure as a factor behind the site selection and has said specialist studies are underway to evaluate potential environmental effects. The company has also noted that the project could generate jobs, both during construction and through ongoing operational roles.

The proposal has not yet advanced to a formal development application, meaning its eventual design and impact remain undetermined. As the plans move forward, residents' concerns over balancing economic opportunity with the protection of their dark skies are expected to remain at the center of the debate.