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Firmus AI data centre gets tick from planners ahead of council vote
Brief published August 22, 2026 ยท Original source published August 21, 2026
Original reporting by Ashleigh Barraclough at abc.net.au.
Automated brief. Verify important details at the original source.
What happened
Council planners in George Town, Tasmania have formally recommended approval of a proposed 288-megawatt AI data centre put forward by Firmus AI. The site in question is the former Gunns Pulp Mill. The recommendation advances the project to a council vote, which is scheduled for Tuesday. The proposal has been described as controversial, though the evidence does not detail the specific objections raised.
Why it matters
A planner recommendation carries weight in local government processes and meaningfully raises the probability of approval at the council vote. At 288 megawatts, the facility would represent a substantial power commitment, and its outcome could signal how Australian regional councils handle large-scale AI infrastructure proposals on repurposed industrial land.
What to watch
The George Town Council vote on Tuesday is the immediate decision point. If approved, subsequent steps such as construction timelines, power sourcing arrangements, and any community or regulatory challenges will indicate whether the project moves from planning to development.