Australia's AI Datacentre Boom Hits a Political Wall as National Cabinet Fumbles Regulation

George Town council in Tasmania reluctantly approved a 288MW AI factory by Australian developer Firmus, despite a petition with nearly 6,000 signatures and over 300 submissions opposing the project on energy use and AI concerns. The approval sets a marker for the growing national battle over datacentre development, with locals arguing the council should have waited for federal rules rather than approving under existing, inadequate regulations.

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Prime Minister...