Quantum DC chief executive Alby Tomassi said the company would pause its plans for the hyper-scale data centre and energy infrastructure on Collins Road, about 41 kilometres directly east of the Adelaide CBD, and instead run a longer-term engagement programme. He said the company had misread the strength of feeling, apologised, and acknowledged early engagement created more questions than answers. The company had scheduled two community consultation sessions last month but postponed them to later this month amid safety concerns; Tomassi said those November sessions were now cancelled.

Tomassi said more than 350 people had contacted the company and the community had submitted a consolidated list of 432 questions covering water, energy, noise, lighting and the night sky, traffic, bushfire, farming land, location and the local environment. Quantum DC said it would convene a panel of independent experts to review specialist studies and make their findings public. Tomassi did not rule out progressing the data centre in the future.

Tungkillo resident Magdalene Lippett, who opposes the project, welcomed the pause. Mid Murray Council Mayor Simone Bailey said the council had concerns about the location, including its proximity to a dark sky reserve, distance from an SA Country Fire Service station, limited access on unsealed roads, and possible effects on noise and the water table. SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said the episode showed the need for legislation to regulate data centre development.