The Tasmanian Government will establish a Local Community Benefit Fund to ensure communities hosting major AI and data-centre developments share directly in the benefits of this new investment.
The Local Community Benefit Fund will support local infrastructure, skills and training, community organisations and initiatives that improve liveability and economic participation in communities hosting major developments.
Under the Government’s approach, major AI and data-centre proponents will be expected to contribute to the Local Community Benefit Fund.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff said Tasmania was well positioned to become a national leader in responsible AI infrastructure, but investment must deliver tangible and lasting benefits for Tasmanians.
“AI infrastructure creates jobs but Tasmanians must benefit further from such investments,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Our renewable energy, skilled workforce and enviable lifestyle give Tasmania an enormous competitive advantage as the global economy embraces artificial intelligence.
“We want to use that advantage to attract new investment, create highly skilled jobs and build new industries here in Tasmania.
“But we have a simple expectation.
“If a community hosts a major development, that community should share directly in the benefit.”
The announcement builds on the Government’s draft Statement of Expectations for Data Centres and AI Infrastructure.
The draft Statement made clear that Tasmania welcomes responsible investment that creates skilled jobs and strengthens communities, while expecting major proponents to support additional renewable generation, meet their appropriate network and connection costs and protect energy security and grid stability.
“The consultation has provided an important opportunity for Tasmanians, local government, industry and other stakeholders to have their say about how we get this right,” Premier Rockliff said.
“Now we are taking the next step to ensure communities hosting these developments see a direct benefit.”
Under the Government’s approach, major AI and data-centre proponents will be expected to:
“We want communities to be able to see and feel the benefit of major investment happening in their region,” Premier Rockliff said.
“That means investment flowing back into the things that make communities stronger, whether that’s local infrastructure, skills and training or community organisations.
“This isn’t about choosing between economic development and community benefit.
“The two should go hand in hand.”
The approach reflects key issues raised through the Parliamentary Inquiry into AI Data Centres.
“This is about setting clear expectations from the beginning while continuing to send a very clear message that Tasmania welcomes responsible investment,” Premier Rockliff said.
“We can embrace the industries of the future while protecting the interests of Tasmanians today.
“Our test is straightforward: major AI developments must make Tasmania, and the communities that host them, better off.”
