Residents near South Australia’s River Murray Dark Sky Reserve are pushing back against plans for a large data centre, fearing light and noise pollution could affect the region’s celebrated night skies.
Joshua Navratil / Unsplash / Illustrative purposes only
The development, known as the Tungkillo Compute and Energy Hub, is being proposed by Melbourne-based company Quantum DC. The 220-hectare project would be located at Tungkillo, about 55km east of Adelaide, and has raised concerns about it’s potential impact on the surrounding landscape.
Protecting the night sky
The River Murray Dark Sky Reserve is recognised for it’s efforts to protect the night sky from light pollution. For stargazers, it offers something increasingly difficult to find: a place where the stars can take centre stage without the glow of artificial lighting washing them out.
Although the proposed data centre would sit more than 5km outside the reserve’s boundary, residents are concerned about what a development of this scale could mean for the surrounding area.
Artificial light can also disrupt nocturnal wildlife, making the issue about more than just the view overhead. For a region whose appeal lies partly in it’s natural surroundings, changes to the night sky could affect both the local environment and it’s attraction for visitors.
A project still in the planning stages
Quantum DC has pointed to the site’s access to existing energy infrastructure and renewable energy projects as reasons for choosing the location. The development could also bring jobs to the area.
However, questions remain about it’s potential environmental impact. The company has said specialist assessments will examine issues including lighting, noise, water use, traffic and local wildlife.
South Australia’s government has confirmed that it has not yet received a formal development application. Quantum DC plans to consult the community before proceeding.
The proposal remains in it’s early stages, but the debate raises an important question: how can development move forward without compromising the natural landscapes that draw people to a destination?
Source (The Times Of India)
Follow us on social media for more travel news, inspiration, and guides. You can also tag us to be featured.
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Spotify
ALSO READ:
Around 200 world cruise passengers stranded in Cambodia after operator suspends voyage
