{
  "id": 3192444,
  "title": "AI data centre proposal approved by Tasmanian council",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/ai-data-centre-proposal-approved-by-tasmanian-council",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-08-25T05:13:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-25/firmus-ai-bell-bay-receives-george-town-council-approval/107074336"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Tasmania's George Town council has approved a plan for an $288 million AI data centre at the former Gunns pulp mill site in Long Reach, despite strong community opposition. Out of seven present councillors, six voted in favor of the 288-megawatt development, proposed by Firmus Technologies. The project faces numerous conditions, including a noise survey within 60 days, an air quality assessment within 12 months, and a new bushfire and emergency management plan before commencing construction. Firmus will also be bound to operate its diesel generators only under specific circumstances and limit simultaneous operation to one generator at a time. The council received 349 public submissions and nearly 6,000 signatures on an electronic petition urging a project rejection.",
  "summary": "Firmus Technologies' proposed 288-megawatt AI data centre near Long Reach in Tasmania's north has received council approval.",
  "key_points": [
    "$288 million AI data centre approved by George Town council",
    "Six councillors voted in favor of the 288-megawatt development",
    "Conditions include noise survey, air quality assessment, and emergency plan"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The approval of the AI data centre proposal despite strong community opposition marks a significant win for Firmus Technologies, but also brings substantial conditions that will impact the project's operations and implementation.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}