Unsurprising to anyone who has actually been listening to the community, ERMS polling shows more than half of Tasmanians oppose AI data centre developments.
The polling has revealed 54% of Tasmanians are opposed to AI data centre facilities, while only 25% are in support. It’s further evidence of the deep community concerns over these energy and water intensive facilities being constructed before any specific safeguards are in place.
The Liberals have rushed ahead and encouraged AI data centres to develop in the state without actually asking Tasmanians whether they want them here and evidently the majority do not.
Every day, we hear from more and more members of the public who are concerned about how these centres are going to use public resources, be it energy or water, what local jobs will be guaranteed and the environmental impacts.
This is why the Greens moved for a moratorium on AI data facilities until guardrails which protect the community and the environment are in place.
With 59% of those voting Labor opposing AI data centres, we hope this will encourage the party to stand strongly alongside the Greens in scrutinising these facilities and considering an urgent moratorium.
While Labor opposed a Greens’ push for a moratorium just a few weeks ago, the rate at which the Liberal Government and proponents are pushing ahead with these centres before regulations are in place is frightening, and this poll should be a wake up call that a moratorium is necessary.
The Greens are listening to Tasmanians and will keep fighting for a moratorium until proper guardrails are in place.
