Huon Valley Council has rejected DarkLab Project X proposal

A Tasmanian tourism body has encouraged the proponents behind a rejected art tourism venture in the Huon Valley to appeal so the region did not lose a “once in a generation” attraction. THE PLANS >>

A TOURISM body in Tasmania’s south has encouraged the proponents behind a rejected art tourism venture in the Huon Valley to appeal so the region did not lose a “once in a generation” attraction.

Destination Southern Tasmania said the Huon Valley council’s decision to reject DarkLab’s development application for its Transformer project would have flow on effects for a region still recovering from bushfire damage and dealing with a pandemic-related tourism slowdown .

The council on Wednesday night rejected Darklab’s development application for its $9.5m Transformer project at Ida Bay Reserve saying it would impact on other ventures and did not meet the planning scheme.

The proposal was part of Project X which was established to reinvigorate tourism in the Huon Valley which was hit hard by bushfires in 2019.

Project X has been scrapped by Huon Valley Council.

Destination Southern Tamania said it was “extremely disappointed” at the council’s decision.

CEO Alex Herosy said DarkLab’s Transformer development was designed to increase visitation in the Huon Valley as well as create another attraction to spread the risk when dealing with attraction closures during disasters.

“This project was strongly supported by local tourism and hospitality operators and they have been looking forward to the expected visitation of 30,000 annually,” Mr Heroys said.

“Art tourism is something that resonates strongly in the Huon Valley community with many artists choosing this area to create and showcase their work and Transformer, with world renowned artist Doug Aitken will elevate this focus to a global stage.”

DST is now encouraging DarkLab - owned by MONA’s David Walsh - to appeal the council decision.

“We don’t want to lose this once in a generation opportunity for the entire Huon Valley region,” Mr Heroys said.

He said DarkLab was committed to maintaining the heritage values of the historical Ida Bay railway site.

“The most important point hee is to recognise the opportunity that will benefit the community most and embrace it rather than looking for ways to derail it.”

Plans for Huon transformer tourist project on backburner

THE Huon Valley Council has rejected DarkLab’s proposed $9.5m Transformer tourist and art proposal earmarked for the Ida Bay State Reserve.

At Wednesday night’s meeting 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 the Clause 26.3.3 of the Huon Valley Interim Planning Scheme 2015.

Huon Valley Mayor Bec Enders said some were very happy with the council’s decision, others were very disappointed.

Doug Aitken, Transformer for Project X. Artist impression. Image courtesy :copyright: Doug Aitken and DarkLab

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. We believe this project has all the attributes to reinvigorate the far south and create further investment into the region as visitation increases,” the company said.

“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.”

DarLab 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,” she said.

“Dark Lab’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 Dark Lab 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.”