HUON PANS ART PLAN
Council rejects DarkLab’s $8.5m Transformer project
DARK LAB’S $8.5m Transformer art tourist proposal for the Huon Valley has been rejected by the local council because of what councillors said were planning and agricultural issues.
That’s despite the fact the plan was recommended for approval by council officers.
Dark Lab said the artwork was projected to attract 30,000 visitors each year and contribute $4.8m to the local economy.
THE Huon Valley Council has rejected DarkLab’s proposed $9.5m Transformer tourist and art proposal earmarked for the Ida Bay State Reserve.
On Wednesday night, the council refused the permit to construct the tourist development at Lune River Rd, saying it could conflict or fetter agricultural use on that site and adjoining land and it was inconsistent with aspects of the Huon Valley Interim Planning Scheme 2015.
Huon Valley Mayor Bec Enders said some residents were happy with the council’s decision, others were disappointed.
DarkLab said it had been invited to aid with the recovery of tourism in the Huon Valley in the aftermath of the 2019 bushfires.
“The proposed $9.5m Transformer project is a direct response to this request,” DarkLab said in a statement.
“We believe this project has all the attributes to reinvigorate the far south and create further investment into the region as visitation increases.
“We’re obviously disappointed by the decision to reject the submission, despite being recommended for approval by the qualified council officers. It’s our understanding that the project complies with the relevant planning scheme and codes.
“Our development application demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the heritage values of the historical Ida Bay railway site, in collaboration with the Ida Bay Railway Preservation Society.
“We reiterate that the Transformer proposal in no way hinders or impedes the future of an operating rail, if and when a viable proposition arises.”
DarkLab is owned by Mona founder David Walsh.
DarkLab said the artwork was projected to attract 30,000 visitors each year and contribute $4.8m to the local economy.
The Tasmanian Greens have welcomed the council’s decision.
“The Ida Bay Railway Preservation Society has worked hard for years to create a functioning future viability model,” Mp Rosalie Woodruff said.
“DarkLab’s proposed cafe site would have destroyed the operational use of the railway and sheds, and ended the prospect of this genuinely unique and much-loved historic railway continuing to delight tourists of all ages.
“As DarkLab has publicly stated its genuine commitment to working for the mutual benefit of both parties, the HVC made the right decision in finding a planning workaround that can allow a respectful development solution that suits both parties.”