Key facts
- George Town council in Tasmania approved a 288 MW datacentre proposed by Firmus.
- The approval was met with significant community opposition and was described as reluctant by councillors.
- Concerns raised by locals included energy consumption and the implications of AI technology.
- The decision precedes the federal government's planned introduction of national datacentre standards.
- The federal government intends to legislate a regulatory framework for large datacentres early next year.
- Victoria's Environment Protection Authority has issued its first objection to a datacentre proposal.
The George Town council in Tasmania has approved plans for a 288-megawatt datacentre by developer Firmus, despite significant community opposition and concerns over energy use and AI. The council voted 6-1 to approve the project, with councillors expressing reluctance and stating they had to adhere to existing planning regulations.
Locals had raised objections, citing potential environmental impacts and the need for federal oversight, pointing to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's recent announcement of a forthcoming national regulatory framework for large datacentres. The federal government plans to introduce mandatory standards for energy, water, and land use, designed to complement, not duplicate, state and territory processes.
Despite the community's calls for a moratorium or retrospective laws, the council felt bound by current guidelines. Firmus welcomed the decision, stating the project would proceed and that their facilities are designed for energy efficiency and responsible water use. Meanwhile, Victoria's Environment Protection Authority has issued its first objection to a datacentre proposal, citing noise and cumulative impact concerns.
The Australian Energy Market Operator reported 225 datacentres are currently in development nationwide, highlighting the growing demand and the urgency for regulatory clarity.