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.
