AI infrastructure company Firmus Technologies appears to have conducted illegal work at its site in north-west Tasmania, a local council says.
Firmus submitted a development application to build a 52-megawatt AI data centre in Wesley Vale at the old paper mill site, but Latrobe Council has deferred making a decision — instead asking the Tasmanian government to assess it as a major project.
But now, it seems Firmus has begun work without a permit.
“We’re concerned that some of the works may be occurring beyond the scope of the approved forest practices plan for the site,” Latrobe Mayor Peter Freshney said.
“If it’s outside of that then there’ll be a stop work issued,” he said.
He said Firmus had agreed to cease work while council conducted further assessments.
“We’re seeking to understand and confirm whether or not that work is illegal,” he said.
Cr Freshney said the approved forest practices plan allowed activities such as tree felling, stump removal, mulching and weed suppression.
“What we’re seeing now though, I would suggest, is excavation to an extent that is not within the approved plan,” he said.
Cr Freshney said there were transportable buildings, piles of dirt and blue metal on site.
In a statement, a Firmus spokesperson said the works were part of general site maintenance, separate from the development application.
“These activities do not require planning approval and will take approximately four weeks to complete,” the spokesperson said.
“No main works associated with the broader projects will commence until all required approvals are in place.”
