Data centre company AirTrunk has advanced plans for a proposed data centre campus at 45 Donnybrook Road, Mickleham, in Melbourne's north. The proposal, which the company says brings the potential for long-term jobs, local business opportunities, and investment to the area, remains subject to planning and environmental approvals.

The announcement was published on AirTrunk's website, detailing both the scale of the proposed development and a package of community investments the company says it will make if the project receives the necessary approvals.

Employment and community commitments

According to AirTrunk, the proposal is expected to support more than 1,000 ongoing local jobs, with further opportunities for workers, suppliers, and businesses during the construction phase.

Central to the proposal is a USD 18.18 million investment into local community infrastructure, skills, and education. The company has outlined how those funds would be allocated. Of the total, USD 4.46 million would go to a Victorian Skills Partnership to support the electrical and technical workforce needed for data centres, energy infrastructure, and broader electrification.

A further USD 3.43 million would be directed to the delivery of local sporting and recreation infrastructure, which the company says would support community participation and wellbeing.

The largest single component, USD 10.29 million, is earmarked for education and training facilities in the Mickleham area, intended to help local residents learn and study closer to home.

In addition to the financial commitments, AirTrunk is proposing an expanded Social Impact Program in Melbourne's northern suburbs, providing ongoing support through partnerships in education, biodiversity and conservation, and digital inclusion.

Design and environmental considerations

The campus design incorporates several features the company says address common community concerns about data centre developments. The facility has been designed to use air-based cooling and would not use community water for cooling during normal operations.

The proposed site is located more than 400 metres from the nearest home. AirTrunk says the design is intended to screen equipment and minimise noise beyond the site boundary.

On energy matters, AirTrunk states it will fund the infrastructure required to connect the campus to the Victorian transmission network. The company has also committed to matching its electricity use with renewable energy and says it is exploring opportunities to support new renewable energy projects.

Community consultation underway

AirTrunk is holding community information sessions and a webinar in November to share details about the proposal and gather feedback on local opportunities, community benefits, and construction impacts. Details of the consultation opportunities are available through the company's website.

Rob Bartrop, Associate Vice President of Social Impact & Community at AirTrunk, emphasised the importance the company places on local engagement.

"We want to engage with people who live and work in Mickleham and the surrounding area," Bartrop said. "We're committed to keeping the community informed, creating opportunities for people to participate in the training, employment, and procurement opportunities, and investing into much-needed community infrastructure in Melbourne's northern suburbs."

Approval process ahead

The proposal remains contingent on planning and environmental approvals, with no timeline for a final decision provided in the company's announcement. AirTrunk has directed interested residents and businesses to its website for more information, including details of upcoming consultation opportunities.

The Mickleham proposal adds to AirTrunk's presence in the Australian market, with the company positioning the project as an opportunity to deliver both digital infrastructure and community benefits in one of Melbourne's growth corridors.

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