Transformer heartbreak

Calls for DarkLab and council to find solution

DARKLAB’S decision not to appeal against the Huon Valley Council’s rejection of its planning application for a major installation has been described as “heartbreaking”, with a regional tourism organisation calling for a solution.

Last month, the Huon Valley Council rejected the application for Transformer, an artwork by American artist Doug Aitken, which was proposed for the Ida Bay Reserve, south of Dover.

The $9.5m installation, described as a “never ending kaleidoscope”, was announced last year as part of Project X, with hopes it would attract tourists to the Huon Valley in the wake of the 2019 bushfires.

It was rejected over concerns it would impact other ventures.

DarkLab said on Friday it would push ahead with the project and was hunting for a new site for Transformer in the state’s far south.

But it means the project’s completion date has been pushed back to 2023.

Destination Southern Tasmania chief executive Alex Heroys said the situation was disappointing.

“It beggars belief that we find ourselves in this position,” Mr Heroys said.

“We have a fully funded game-changing art installation that will be delivered by a world-renowned artist.

“The majority of the Huon Valley’s business community see the opportunity and support it, yet here we are at an impasse.”

He called on the state government and the Huon Valley Council to find a solution by December.

“This is heartbreaking for the businesses in the Huon Valley, across the entire visitor economy, arts, tourism, retail and hospitality,” he said.

“This is the Huon Valley’s Sydney Opera House moment, it would be criminal to let this one go without finding a solution.”

Huon Valley Mayor Bec Enders said it was encouraging DarkLab would consider other locations.

“Council remains a strong supporter of the DarkLab Transformer project,” Ms Enders said.

“We will continue to work with and advocate to the state government, to work with DarkLab in identifying a suitable location for this development.”

She said many in the Huon Valley were still feeling the effects of the bushfire.

“The Huon Valley has been significantly impacted following the events of the past few years, initially through the 2019 summer bushfires and subsequently Covid-19,” Ms Enders said.

“This development will greatly aid recovery efforts.”