Work has ceased at the proposed Firmus Technologies AI data centre site in Wesley Vale after Latrobe Council issued a notice of intention to issue an enforcement notice. The council’s action follows concerns that clearing work at the 174 and 226 Mill Road site may have exceeded the scope of an approved forest practices plan.
Latrobe Council CEO Jeff Morgan confirmed that while Firmus had approval for vegetation removal, mulching, weed control, and dust suppression, council officers observed excavation, blue metal, and mounds of dirt on the site. Mr Morgan told Pulse Tasmania that the council is questioning whether the extent of this work falls beyond the approved plan. The council’s investigation was prompted by complaints from local residents, who also provided photographs of the site.
Firmus Technologies has agreed to halt works while the council conducts its assessment. The company, however, maintains that the activities underway are part of general site maintenance and do not require specific planning approval. Firmus stated that major construction for the broader data centre project will not commence until all necessary permits are secured. The council expects to complete its assessment of the site works next week.
The proposed Wesley Vale facility is a 52-megawatt AI data centre planned for part of the former Wesley Vale Pulp Mill site. This development is one of three AI data centres Firmus Technologies is pursuing in northern Tasmania, alongside a 288-megawatt project at Bell Bay and a 104-megawatt facility already under construction near Launceston. Firmus also plans a separate research and development facility in Wesley Vale.
Amidst the ongoing scrutiny, Latrobe Council has formally requested that Planning Minister Kerry Vincent declare the Wesley Vale data centre a “major project.” This request stems from the council’s concern that existing planning regulations may not be adequate for properly assessing complex technology projects with potentially significant environmental and economic impacts.
Minister Vincent is currently considering the council’s request but requires additional information, as the initiative for the major project declaration came from the council rather than Firmus. Latrobe Mayor Peter Freshney has rejected any suggestion that the council is attempting to delay the project, emphasising the council’s commitment to an appropriate and thorough assessment process. Mayor Freshney noted that the council has only received an acknowledgement of its request to the Minister, not a decision.
Greens technology spokesperson Tabatha Badger has also weighed in, expressing concern that Firmus may have commenced works without proper approvals and questioning the company’s broader adherence to regulations. Public sentiment across Tasmania shows significant opposition to AI data centres, with an EMRS poll indicating 54% of Tasmanians oppose their construction in the state. Residents are also reportedly planning appeals against the approval of other Firmus projects.