Greens Statement
It’s like the Liberals asked AI about data centre construction in Tasmania and totally forgot to check with the real community!
Firmus, at the request of the George Town Council, have permitted a two-week extension to the public comment period for their 288MW AI Factory proposal at Bell Bay. This is welcome news.
The Greens wrote to the Council last week seeking an extension, given the number of documents and complexity of the details the community were trying to work through. Given how intensively AI and data facilities consume public resources, such as energy, water and data capacity, it is imperative that Tasmanian have a say on their construction in our state.
Last week the Greens tabled a motion to establish an inquiry into AI and data centres in Tasmania. Days later the Liberals released their next ‘100 Day Plan’, which includes releasing a set of ‘expectations’ for these developments. We call on the Liberal Government to transparently outline what public input and consultation there will be in shaping these expectations for Tasmania.
As we said on the Federal Government’s guidelines, ‘expectations’ are fine, but they fall short of the urgently required legislation and regulatory work. That’s why the Greens and working across the Parliament to begin this work through a committee.
The rapid pace of AI and data facility expansion is unprecedented, and it is essential that the groundwork is done now to ensure Tasmanians, and Tasmania’s best interests are protected ahead of those of overseas big tech billionaires.
TASITC Statement
In a statement today Tasmania’s tech sector has urged a clear benefit approach to AI data centre development, saying new investment must be matched by agreed expectations on energy, water, planning transparency and community benefit.
TasICT CEO Russell Kelly said AI infrastructure has the potential to usher in economic benefits for Tasmania, but must demonstrate how it also respects the community’s right to be consulted and preserves our natural environment.
“AI currently has a trust issue – and gaining trust means being transparent at every step, including how the infrastructure itself is first constructed.”
TasICT supports the State Government’s commitment announced yesterday to develop a draft Tasmanian Statement of Expectations for Data Centres and AI infrastructure for consultation.
It will build on the Australian Government’s ‘Expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure developers’ released in March 2026 which already calls on developers to secure new and additional clean energy generation or storage to offset demand.
“Clear expectations from the State Government will help proponents, councils and communities understand what responsible AI infrastructure should look like in Tasmania – and how we can benefit.”
Read our Data Centre Series on Firmus Technologies and their plans for Tasmania
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