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Dark Mofo: What could stop the growth of Dark Mofo

Dark Mofo’s growth could be stunted without swift action on a contentious issue, according to the festival’s creative director.

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Dark Mofo’s growth could be stunted without swift action on Mac Point, according to the festival’s creative director.

Leigh Carmichael made the blunt warning after the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania and Labor queried progress on the long-awaited waterfront precinct.

The original vision — proposed by Mona in 2016 — included a “cultural space”, such as a theatre.

Carmichael said new venues were desperately needed if Dark Mofo was to expand.

“The festival is doing well as it is … (but it) certainly has ramifications for growth,” Carmichael said.

“I just can’t see where we could grow. All our venues are full and many of our shows are selling out now.”

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Tourism Industry Council Tasmania chief executive Luke Martin questioned “what on earth is going on” with the project.

“At the moment, what we don’t see is any tangible progress toward the Mona reset vision,” Mr Martin said.

“What we do see is a grab bag of weird things like a fitness centre.

“Surely we’re not going to sit here and wait for 20 years for the shit works to be moved?”

Labor infrastructure spokesman David O’Byrne described the project as a “national embarrassment”.

“Five years down the track we essentially have a couple of temporary pop-ups and the best view of any carpark in the state,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“This is symptomatic of a state government that can’t land anything significant.”

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New Infrastucture Minister Michael Ferguson said he would be meeting with “a range of key stakeholders” in the coming weeks.

“The Government and Macquarie Point Development Corporation has already started getting on with making Macquarie Point’s future come to life,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The Government has now transferred Crown land to the Corporation, another major milestone and step towards an exciting future for Mac Point.

“Work within Mac Point has been continuing, with the remediation of the first of six land parcels being completed — the remaining five are due to be completed within the next 18 months.”

Macquarie Point Development Corporation chief executive Mary Massina did not return calls.

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Original URL: https://www.themercury.com.au/news/dark-mofo-what-could-stop-the-growth-of-dark-mofo/news-story/89a58c5b0a771fa845ea3cd0296d2575