As companies continue their push to build AI data centres in Australian communities, an AI institute cautions that the touted jobs and economic benefits may not materialise if public authorities do not put binding conditions on proponents.
Submissions have been made about the rollout of AI in Tasmania as part of a parliamentary inquiry.
With one company forging ahead with multiple projects in Tasmania, the AI institute says the state will hold the strongest negotiating position "before facilities are approved, not after".
The Tasmanian government's inquiry into AI data centres received 152 submissions from the public and stakeholders.
Tasmania has multiple AI data centre projects in the pipeline.
Firmus Technologies is building one in Launceston, has approval for another at Long Reach in the state's north, and is seeking approval for another at Wesley Vale in the north-west.
A submission to the inquiry from the University of New South Wales AI Institute said AI data centre developments presented opportunities for Tasmania, but only if binding conditions were put on them to ensure public benefit.
"Without deliberate mechanisms, the economic benefit of data centre approval may end when construction ends, leaving the land, energy and water commitments behind."
Dr Keay recommended a levy on large-scale data centre projects to fund AI research, talent and capability.
AI data centres use large amounts of energy.
While data centre proponents paying full price for energy could support Hydro Tasmania and the state government's bottom line, the researchers said, it came with a trade-off.
In its submission, the Digital Infrastructure Institute said there were gaps in Tasmania's planning system.