Strong Expectations for AI Data Centres Welcomed

Tasmania’s technology sector has welcomed the Tasmanian Government’s new expectations for major AI and data centre developments, including the establishment of a Local Community Benefit Fund to ensure host communities share directly in the benefits of investment.

TasICT CEO Russell Kelly said the Government’s announcement strongly reflects the principles TasICT has advocated for to ensure Tasmanians can see the benefits of development.

“We specifically advocated for a Community Development Fund as a practical mechanism for delivering public value, so we are very pleased to see the Government move in this direction,” Mr Kelly said.

“AI data centres ask a lot, so they should give a lot in return.”

The Government has announced that major proponents will be expected to pay their infrastructure and network costs, help grow Tasmania’s energy supply, locate in appropriate industrial precincts, protect other electricity and water consumers, contribute to the Local Community Benefit Fund and publicly report their water and energy use each quarter.

TasICT has advocated full cost recovery for major developments, additional electricity supply to support new demand, protection of existing consumers, coordinated precinct development, transparent resource-use reporting and measurable long-term benefits for Tasmania.

“The next step is to ensure these are enforceable commitments and companies are held to them.

“Major developments should create local employment and business opportunities, and ensure start-ups and researchers have access to advanced computing capability.”

“Tasmania has an opportunity to set a high standard for responsible AI infrastructure,” Mr Kelly said.

TasICT will continue to advocate for major project commitments to be measurable, enduring and transparently reported.