Firmus AI data centre gets tick from planners ahead of council vote

The George Town Council's planning officers have recommended approving a proposed 288-megawatt AI data centre at the former Gunns Pulp Mill site in Tasmania. The development, proposed by Firmus Technologies, has received over 300 public submissions, including a petition with more than 5,000 signatures calling for its rejection. The council will vote on Tuesday whether to approve the facility, which would make Firmus the state's largest power user if all three proposed sites are built.

While many concerns were raised about the project, including water and energy use, noise, air and light pollution, bushfire risk, and environmental impact, the planning officers determined that these factors are not regulated by the Tasmanian Planning Scheme. Instead, they recommended the council approve the development with conditions, such as updating the bushfire plan, having noise assessments and verification surveys, and maintaining a public complaints register.