AI Data Centre Proposals Spark Local Concerns in Tasmania
Source reports published 21 Oct 2026, 2:36 pm – 22 Oct 2026, 10:00 am AEST
Consultancies are contacting rural residents in north-west Tasmania to purchase land for potential AI data centre projects. Government officials state there is no confirmed final site, while concerns are raised about the impact on local communities and property values.
What happened
- Sydney consultancy firms are contacting residents in the north-west of Tasmania, specifically near the town of Nook, to buy agricultural land adjacent to a recently upgraded substation.
- This is part of proposals for six new data centres, with Firmus Technologies already having projects underway.
- Local farmer Wade Rockliff expressed concerns about the offers, stating they are significantly above market value and could cause tension within the community.
- Government officials, including Minister Felix Ellis, maintain that agricultural land should not be used for AI data centres and that proposals will be processed through standard planning and environmental regulations.
- The AI firms are seeking to establish a ‘compact’ with communities to address concerns about potential impacts, including tax revenues, but face growing opposition mirroring concerns in the US regarding environmental impact and public trust.
Original reporting
- ABC: AI data centre company cold calling about buying land, inquiry told
2026-10-21T04:36:36+00:00 - Guardian: AI firms say UK has a year to head off datacentre protests before construction is threatened
2026-10-22T00:00:00+00:00