AI data centre proposal approved by Tasmanian council

• The George Town Council has approved a proposal from Firmus Technologies to build a 288-megawatt AI data centre at the former Gunns pulp mill site in northern Tasmania.
• The project passed with a 6-1 vote despite significant community opposition, including a petition with nearly 6,000 signatures and concerns regarding environmental impacts, noise pollution, and resource consumption.
• Council planners recommended approval based on statutory planning requirements, noting that many public concerns fell outside the legal scope of the planning scheme, though residents may appeal the decision within 14 days.

A controversial 288-megawatt artificial intelligence data centre is set to be built in northern Tasmania after George Town councillors voted overwhelmingly in favor of the project, despite significant community pushback. The facility, proposed by Firmus Technologies, will be located at the former Gunns pulp mill site within the Bell Bay Advanced Manufacturing Zone in Long Reach.

The council’s decision came in the face of intense public opposition, including 349 formal submissions and an electronic petition with nearly 6,000 signatures calling for the project’s rejection. Residents expressed deep concerns regarding the site’s environmental footprint, specifically citing the massive power and water requirements, as well as the potential for air, noise, and light pollution.

While acknowledging the community’s anxieties, council planners recommended approval with specific conditions. They explained that many of the concerns raised did not fall within the strict legal parameters of the local planning scheme. In the meeting agenda, planners noted that while these concerns may be legitimate, the council is legally required to limit its assessment to matters within its statutory power as a planning authority.

The proposal passed with a 6-1 vote during Tuesday’s meeting. Councillors Greg Kieser, Greg Dawson, Heather Ashley, Simone Lowe, Winston Mason, and Jason Orr supported the development, while Winston Archer was the sole dissenting voice. This approval marks a major milestone for Firmus Technologies, which is also currently constructing a 104-megawatt AI data centre in the Launceston suburb of St Leonards.

Community members who formally lodged representations now have a 14-day window to appeal the council’s decision through the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. As Firmus continues its expansion in the region, the balance between industrial growth and environmental preservation remains a focal point for the local community.

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Original article and photo by "ABC News"