TasICT policy on data centres

TasICT supports the responsible development of data centres where projects deliver clear public value and are both economically and environmentally sustainable.

It follows consultation with TasICT members and consideration of the long-term interests of Tasmania’s economy, communities and technology sector.

As demand for digital infrastructure continues to grow, Tasmania is increasingly being considered as a location for data centre investment. TasICT believes these developments have the potential to create opportunities for the state, but only where communities can clearly understand the benefits, risks and long-term impacts of proposed projects.

The policy calls for early and meaningful community consultation, supported by transparent business cases that outline the opportunities, benefits and risks associated with major developments. It also states that government approvals, infrastructure access and concessions should only be granted where developers commit to measurable and enforceable benefits for Tasmania through binding agreements that remain in place even if project ownership changes.

The policy identifies four areas where projects should demonstrate value to Tasmania.

Strengthening Tasmania’s Technology Industry

Projects should help grow Tasmania’s technology ecosystem through local procurement, supplier development, research partnerships and improved digital connectivity. Where appropriate, developers should also consider providing access to advanced computing capability for researchers, students, start-ups, businesses and public-interest users.

Building Skills, Capability and Productivity

TasICT believes major infrastructure projects should contribute to workforce development by investing in local skills, apprenticeships, study pathways, university partnerships and specialist training initiatives. These investments can help ensure Tasmanians are equipped to participate in the emerging digital economy.

Supporting Digital Inclusion

The policy also encourages projects to contribute to digital inclusion and capability-building within communities hosting developments, helping more Tasmanians benefit from advances in technology.

Delivering Measurable Public Value

A central principle of the policy is that public benefits should be measurable, proportionate and transparent. TasICT recommends that commitments such as employment targets, local procurement outcomes, workforce development investments and annual independent reporting be established from the outset and monitored over the life of the project.

The policy also supports the Australian Government’s expectations for data centre and AI infrastructure developers and aligns with growing community expectations that major developments demonstrate tangible benefits for local communities.

Feedback from TasICT members informed the development of the policy. Member consultation found that more than two-thirds of respondents supported the development of AI data centres in Tasmania, while an overwhelming majority indicated that any approved projects should deliver measurable local benefits.