Tasmania plans community fund for AI data centre companies

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 03:03 · Archive

Tasmania will require artificial intelligence and data centre companies to contribute to a community fund, though details remain unclear.

Tasmania's Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced on Wednesday that artificial intelligence and data centre companies will be made to contribute towards a fund for local communities. The local community benefit fund would be used to support infrastructure, training, community organisations and initiatives to improve liveability and economic participation. However, how the measure would be enforced, the amount businesses would have to contribute and how the funds would be distributed remain unclear.

Major AI and data-centre proponents would be 'expected to contribute' to the fund. Mr Rockliff indicated the fund would be applied retrospectively to Firmus developments already under construction or in the planning process. He said sponsorship arrangements would not count towards the fund.

The fund would be set up as soon as possible and advice was being sought on the best mechanism to ensure companies contributed. Mr Rockliff said other requirements announced include quarterly public reporting from companies on water and energy use. He stated there were examples in other places in the world, including in the United States, of how such funds are applied.

How it is being reported

• AI data centres to 'pay their way' via community fundA state government is pursuing plans to make artificial intelligence and data centre companies pay money into a community fund, but details are unclear.Perth Now · 14 Oct, 02:28
• AI data centres to 'pay their way' via community fundA state government is pursuing plans to make artificial intelligence and data centre companies pay money into a community fund, but details are unclear.The West Australian · 14 Oct, 02:28

In this story: Jeremy Rockliff · Firmus · Tasmania

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