If it matters to you, it matters to us.
MEL3 Data Centre
AirTrunk is proposing a new data centre in Mickleham, and we understand people may have questions about what it could mean for the local community.
We want to hear what matters to people in Mickleham and provide clear, useful information as the proposal progresses. Our ongoing engagement gives the community opportunities to ask questions, share feedback and stay informed.
Why do we need data centres?
When we send a message, stream a video, use online banking, store photos or use AI, data centres help process and store that information.
As more of our lives and businesses move online, the demand for digital infrastructure grows. We need more data centres to keep the digital services we rely on every day reliable, fast and secure.
What we are building
AirTrunk is proposing a data centre at 45 Donnybrook Road, Mickleham.
Total Gross Floor Area 935,730 square metres
More than 400 metres from the nearest home
Will not draw on community water supply for cooling
Dry air chillers
Natural landscaping
AirTrunk will pay its own way by funding its grid connection and delivering new renewable energy projects.
Water
This data centre has been designed so it won’t use water for cooling during normal operations. Instead, we’ll use air-based cooling.
Noise
The proposed site is more than 400 metres from the nearest residential home, in an area zoned for employment and industrial use.
WHY THE SITE AT MICKLEHAM?
The proposed data centre would create jobs, business opportunities and community benefits for Hume and the wider Melbourne region.
It is located within a developing employment precinct and industrial area, aligning with the precinct’s strategic direction to deliver major employment-generating infrastructure. The site’s proximity to major roads and essential utilities, together with new electrical infrastructure, will support its development and help deliver infrastructure the community can benefit from.
The region’s skilled workforce is well-placed to benefit from construction and long-term employment opportunities, while the proposal could boost local business activity and support Australia’s digital future.
The site is more than 400 metres from the nearest home, the proposal includes a low-water, air-cooled design, a commitment to 100% renewable energy and proposed initiatives to support the local community.
BENEFITS FOR THE LOCAL COMMUNITY
1,000 ongoing local jobs for decades to come
$11.5m investment in community infrastructure
Skills and employment during construction
$200 annual power bill savingsLocal economic impact
The project will create more than 1,000 ongoing local employment opportunities for decades to come, on-site directly supporting the project within the local area.
Opportunities will span construction, engineering, electrical and mechanical services, supply chain, facilities operations, maintenance, security, administration, landscaping, cleaning and other support services.
AirTrunk will also work with local suppliers and local education and training providers to support apprenticeships, work experience and career pathways across technical and non-technical roles.
Will locals have opportunities to work on the project?
Yes. The project will create opportunities for local individuals, subcontractors, suppliers and service providers during construction and operation. These may include civil works, construction, engineering, equipment supply, facilities operations, maintenance, security, cleaning, catering, transport, accommodation and professional services.
AirTrunk will work with local training organisations, industry and community groups to share information and create practical pathways for local participation.
AIRTRUNK COMMUNITY ENERGY PROGRAM
Subject to receiving the necessary approvals, we propose to launch our Community Energy Program, supported by the investment in a community battery that will provide energy infrastructure for the community.
Neighbouring households would be able to participate in the Community Energy Program through energy retailer Origin Energy. Eligible local households who sign up would receive a $200 annual deduction to a standard electricity bill. This helps ensure those living nearest to the project can share directly in the benefits of locally stored renewable energy. This approach is being developed through a partnership agreement currently being finalized.
INVESTMENT IN COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Our commitment to the community extends beyond the project site. As part of the proposed development, and subject to receiving the necessary approvals, we will commit:
- $6.5m to a Victorian Skills Partnership to support the electrical and technical workforce needed for data centres, energy infrastructure and broader electrification.
- $5m to the delivery of local sporting and recreation infrastructure to support community participation and wellbeing.
- An expanded Social Impact Program in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, providing ongoing support through partnerships in education, biodiversity and conservation, and digital inclusion.
SOCIAL IMPACT IN OURCOMMUNITIES
Since 2021, we’ve supported Western Chances digital scholarships for students in Melbourne’s west, including students pursuing STEM. Our partnership also helps students facing financial disadvantage access digital learning and stay connected to their education.
We support conservation and restoration work in Victoria, including the Western Grassland Reserve conservation strategy at Wurdi Youang, near Little River. Activities include seed collection, nursery work, weed management and planting threatened species. Our people take part in tree planting at Brimbank Park.
In Gippsland, we support WildSeek, which uses drones, AI and community-led action to help detect invasive weeds. The program builds local capability and helps land managers respond earlier, supporting healthier landscapes and biodiversity.
Through Digital Sisters, we are supporting refugee and migrant women build digital and AI skills with support from bilingual mentors. The program is delivered with community partners and is designed to make learning culturally safe and accessible.
We support wetland conservation across the Murray–Darling Basin, helping restore important ecosystems, protect wildlife and improve the long-term health of waterways.
If the proposed project goes ahead, we’ll explore how to build on this work in Melbourne’s northern suburbs, in partnership with local organisations and the community. The opportunities are still being shaped, and we want them to reflect what matters most to people who live and work in the area.
You can find more information about our Social Impact Program and partnerships here.
Artist’s impression only. Final design subject to change.
The facts: water
Water usage is a valid community concern. We know the community wants assurance that new industry won’t place added pressure on local water resources.
That’s why this data centre has been designed so it won’t use community water for cooling. It is designed using a low-water, air-cooled operating model. This minimises reliance on water for cooling and means the project is not dependent on potable water supply for cooling.
There will be some minimal water use for things like toilets, kitchens, and cleaning, but the overall design minimises water requirements as much as possible.
Artist’s impression only. Final design subject to change.
The facts: power
We believe new data centre projects should support the energy system.
AirTrunk will fund the infrastructure needed to connect the site to the grid through a combination of upfront contributions and ongoing network charges. The project will connect to the Victorian transmission network through a new Donnybrook terminal station and associated interface works. New connection assets will bring a planned 132 kV supply to the site.
We are also exploring ways for the project to support renewable energy and nearby communities. Further details will be shared when those plans are confirmed.
Artist’s impression only. Final design subject to change.
The facts: noise
Noise and its potential impact on the community have been our priority from the outset.
The proposed site is more than 400 metres from the nearest residential zone and in an industrial area. Noise is being carefully assessed as part of the application and to ensure the site will operate within government noise limits and guidelines.
The data centre buildings have been carefully designed to screen noise-emitting equipment and minimise acoustic impacts beyond the site.
We understand this issue matters deeply to the community. Our aim is not just to meet the requirements, but to ensure these factors have meaningfully shaped the project’s design.
Artist’s impression only. Final design subject to change.
The facts: ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The proposed Mickleham Data Centre would sit within industrial land to create a new source of jobs, investment and economic opportunity for the region.
Its operation would involve no process manufacturing and relatively limited freight and vehicle movements. AirTrunk’s sustainability commitments will help guide the project’s design and operation.
These include improving energy efficiency, matching electricity use with renewable energy, reducing water consumption, managing embodied carbon and responsibly addressing impacts on nature and biodiversity.
At Mickleham, this means exploring off-site renewable energy procurement and investment in new renewable projects, using a low-water cooling approach, applying appropriate biodiversity and landscaping measures, and managing construction impacts through detailed environmental controls.
Your feedback matters
We are seeking community input on matters that are important to residents and businesses, including local opportunities, community benefits and construction impacts.
Register for one of our drop-in information sessions or the webinar below.
Drop-in information sessions
| Date | Time | Location |
| Tuesday 17 November
| 10am – 1pm | Mickleham North Community Centre, 82 – 90 St Georges Blvd, Mickleham |
| 4pm – 7pm | ||
| Wednesday 18 November
| 10am – 1pm | |
| 4pm – 7pm |
Webinar
| Date | Time | Location |
| Monday 23 November | 6pm – 7pm | Microsoft Teams |
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC)
Publication of Information for Assessment on Preliminary Documentation under Section 95 of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
AirTrunk MEL3 Pty Ltd as trustee for AirTrunk MEL3 Land Trust is proposing to construct and operate a data centre, at 45 Donnybrook Rd, Mickleham VIC 3064 (EPBC 2023/09568). The proposed action has potential to impact listed threatened species and communities (Sections 18 and 18A) protected under Part 3 of the EPBC Act, specifically Matted Flax-lily (Dianella amoena), Natural Temperate Grassland of the Victorian Volcanic Plain and Seasonal Herbaceous Wetlands (Freshwater) of the Temperate Lowland Plains.
Pursuant to Section 95 of the EPBC Act, the preliminary documentation is available for viewing for a period of 10 business days from Wednesday 4 November 2026 to Wednesday 18 November 2026 inclusive. Documentation is available for download here and viewing in hard copy without charge at:
- Craigieburn Library, Hume Libraries, 75-95 Central Park Avenue, Craigieburn 3064
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, 8 Nicholson St, East Melbourne VIC 3002
To request a printed copy of these documents or to request assistance for persons with special needs (e.g. for whom English is a second language or who have vision impairment) please email community@airtrunk.com