With the George Town Council set to make a decision on Firmus’ proposed AI factory development at Bell Bay next week, the Liberals must publicly release energy and water arrangements for the site before the vote.
Documents on Firmus’ development application, released yesterday, recommended changes including an updated noise assessment, environmental management plan and bushfire plan. Given the level of public concern, it is also vitally important that the council and community know exactly energy and water resources will be supplied for the AI factory.
Given the inconsistency of information the community has heard from both Firmus and the Liberal Government they deserve transparent answers before the council’s vote.
RTI documents have shown that those negotiating water supply for Firmus were having trouble at the Bell Bay site, were considering action like taking water from the Tamar, and suggesting “political pressure” might be needed for TasWater supply.
It remains unclear where energy negotiations are up to for this site. Particularly given what’s happened with the neighbouring Liberty Bell Bay smelter, it’s imperative for the local community that the Liberal Government and Hydro Tasmania provide a clear update on their agreement progress with Firmus.
Energy and water are public resources, and the public has a right to know about supply arrangements before Firmus’ AI factory at Bell Bay is voted on. The Greens call on the Premier and Minister for Energy to provide a public update on energy negotiations and water supply arrangements prior to the council’s decision on Tuesday.
