AI data centre company starts development work without a permit
The Latrobe Council says it's concerned Firmus Technologies appears to have conducted illegal works on the site of its yet-to-be-approved project in Tasmania.
Latrobe Council is investigating whether AI data centre firm Firmus Technologies has carried out works on its proposed site in north-west Tasmania without the necessary permits. Firmus submitted a development application for a 52-megawatt AI data centre in Wesley Vale, but the council has put the decision on hold to assess it as a major project.
However, it appears Firmus has started work without a permit. Latrobe Mayor Peter Freshney expressed concern that some works may be beyond the scope of an approved forest practices plan for the site, stating that if so, stop work orders would be issued. Firmus has agreed to cease work while the council assesses the situation further.
The council is seeking to determine if the ongoing work is illegal, as the approved plan only covers activities like tree felling and weed suppression. Firmus claims the ongoing work is part of general site maintenance and does not require planning approval. However, Latrobe Council has stated that this commitment to work with the council does not align with Firmus's actions.
The issue has sparked further concerns among the community and raises questions about the adequacy of the current planning framework for assessing AI data centres.
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