AI Data Facilities in Tasmania

We, the undersigned residents of Tasmania, draw to the attention of the House our deep concerns about the impacts unregulated expansion of AI and data facilities will have on Tasmania, our energy and water resources, environment, and community.

Tasmanians have not been adequately consulted on the future of resource-intensive AI and data facilities prior to public resources being committed to big tech companies. The rapid expansion of these facilities around the world is outpacing legislative and regulatory ability, creating environmental and social erosion.

For Tasmanians to have a future that is clean, green, and connected, the Government needs to immediately protect the interests of Tasmanians over the private interests of tech companies.

Your petitioners therefore request the House to call on the Government to issue an immediate moratorium on all non-complete AI and data facilities in Tasmania until the following are established:

1. AI-specific planning legislation and regulations that adequately address the social and environmental impacts of these developments,

2. A public transparency register that regularly reports on energy and water consumption, and operations, of all AI and related data facilities,

3. A mechanism for parliamentary oversight of operations and resource allocation to facilities over 50MW,

4. A guarantee for permanent local jobs,

5. Protections for electricity consumers from utility price increases due to the connection demands of AI and related data facilities.