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Tasmanian council approves 288MW datacentre despite local opposition and pending federal rules

George Town council voted 6-1 to grant planning permission for a major AI facility, citing current statutory constraints ahead of planned federal regulation.

Updated Aug 26, 2026 · 15:33 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • George Town council approved Firmus's proposed 288 megawatt AI datacentre at Long Reach, Tasmania, in a 6-1 vote, despite community backlash.
  • Local objectors argued the council should delay approval until new federal rules take effect, but councillors noted they were bound by existing planning laws.
  • Residents who submitted objections have a 14-day window to appeal the local planning decision.
  • The decision comes as the federal government plans to establish nationwide datacentre standards for energy, water, and land use starting early next year.

Key facts

  • The George Town council voted 6-1 to approve developer Firmus's plans for a 288MW AI datacentre at Long Reach, Tasmania.[The Guardian]
  • The project site is located on the former Gunns Pulp Mill property near the Tamar River.[The Guardian]
  • Over 300 public submissions were made regarding the proposal, alongside an online petition against the project that gathered nearly 6,000 signatures.[The Guardian]
  • Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans to legislate a nationally consistent regulatory framework for large datacentres starting early next year.[The Guardian]
  • Objectors to the George Town council's planning decision have 14 days from Tuesday to file an appeal.[The Guardian]
  • The Australian Energy Market Operator reported that 225 datacentres are currently in development across the country.[The Guardian]
  • Victoria's Environment Protection Authority issued its first-ever objection to a datacentre over noise concerns regarding a proposed 366MW facility in Campbellfield.[The Guardian]

What remains uncertain

  • It is unconfirmed whether community members will formally lodge appeals within the 14-day window, though organizers indicated multiple appeals are likely.[The Guardian]

Sources