Tamar Valley winemakers vow to leave if Firmus data centre is built
Tamar Valley winemakers say they will leave if Firmus builds its AI data centre nearby.
Peter and Loraine Kossmann run a 100-acre vineyard and cattle farm at Rowella in Tasmania's Tamar Valley. It sits 1.2 kilometres across the river from the proposed Firmus data centre site.
The facility would house 276 backup diesel generators. From their home, the Kossmanns have a clear view to the site.
They say they will move if the centre is approved. The Kossmanns worry about diesel particles drifting onto their vineyard.
They also worry about lack of community input. Reports of falling property values concern them too.
Locals including Anne-Marie Bastian are appealing George Town Council's approval through the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. They cite misclassification of the project as a utility.
Bushfire risk is also a concern. Diesel and lithium batteries will be stored there.
Electromagnetic radiation worries them as well. Firmus says generator fuel will be stored in individual enclosed and double-bunded tanks rather than bulk storage.
- 100 acres
- Property size
- 1.2 kilometres across river
- Distance to site
- 276
- Backup diesel generators
- 288 megawatts
- Data centre capacity
Why it mattersIndustrial development will disrupt a wine region's character and livelihoods. The approval process faces legal challenge. The question is whether planning rules fit the project.
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