The George Town council in Tasmania has reluctantly approved plans for a 288 megawatt (MW) AI datacentre at Long Reach, north of Launceston. The Australian developer Firmus received approval with a 6-1 vote, despite significant community opposition.
The proposed AI factory, planned for the former Gunns Pulp Mill site near the Tamar River, faced strong local objections. A petition against the centre gathered nearly 6,000 signatures, and over 300 submissions were made to the council, many raising concerns about energy use and AI.
Councillors stated they had to apply current laws, rather than waiting for new federal rules. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Wednesday that the government would legislate a nationally consistent regulatory framework for large datacentres from early next year, focusing on energy, water, and land use standards.
Residents who objected to the proposal have 14 days from Tuesday to appeal the decision. Firmus welcomed the approval, with co-founder Oliver Curtis stating the company supports national expectations for datacentres and aims to improve energy efficiency and minimise water use.