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🇦🇺 Australia /Technology

Tasmania Planners Back Controversial AI Data Centre Ahead of Council Vote

From ABC Australia · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Council planners have recommended approving a controversial artificial intelligence data center proposed by Firmus Technologies in Tasmania.
  • The 288-megawatt facility at Long Reach attracted significant public opposition, including over 5,000 petition signatures.
  • Concerns raised by residents about environmental impact and resource use were addressed by planning officers, who deemed the project compliant with the planning scheme.

Tasmanian council planners have recommended the approval of a controversial artificial intelligence data center proposed by Firmus Technologies, despite substantial public opposition. The 288-megawatt facility is planned for Long Reach, located at the site of the former pulp mill in the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone.

While many representations raise broader issues relating to energy policy, artificial intelligence, national security and Commonwealth regulation, these matters are either addressed through separate statutory frameworks or fall outside the scope of the planning authority's role in determining the application.

— Council Planning OfficersResponding to public concerns about the AI data center proposal.

The proposal generated 349 public submissions and an electronic petition signed by over 5,000 individuals urging the council to reject it. Residents voiced concerns regarding water and energy consumption, noise, air and light pollution, bushfire risks, and overall environmental impact. The council had extended the public submission period following complaints about inadequate community consultation.

In response, council planning officers addressed these concerns in the published agenda for the upcoming meeting. They noted that some issues fall outside the scope of the planning authority's role, such as energy policy and national security, which are regulated by separate frameworks. Despite the objections, officers recommended approval with specific conditions, concluding that the development is wholly compliant with the planning scheme.

We have one decision to make: whether an application is consistent and compliant with the planning code, that's it.

— Greg KieserGeorge Town Mayor, explaining the council's limited role in the decision-making process.

Firmus Technologies is already constructing a 104-megawatt AI data center in St Leonards and has applied for a 52-megawatt facility in Wesley Vale. If all three projects proceed, the company is set to become Tasmania's largest energy consumer. George Town Mayor Greg Kieser emphasized that the council's decision is limited to assessing the development's compliance with the planning code, stating, "We have one decision to make: whether an application is consistent and compliant with the planning code, that's it."

It would appear that they think that it is wholly compliant and as such their recommendation is to approve it.

— Greg KieserGeorge Town Mayor, commenting on the planning officers' assessment of the AI data center proposal.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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