DarkLab’s bid for Huon Valley art could impact swift parrots

Mona’s pitch for a major art installation to bring more visitors to the Huon Valley is once again on the table, but the small green bird may stop it in its tracks. LATEST >>

Artist impression of Doug Aitken’s Transformer for Project X. Image: Doug Aitken and DarkLab

DarkLab will again try to obtain approval for a major art installation in the Huon Valley, but a flora and fauna assessment shows the development could have an impact on swift parrot breeding grounds.

Plans for American artist Doug Aitken’s Transformer were announced in 2019 to increase foot traffic to the Huon Valley as the region recovered from the economic impact of bushfires.

The installation has been described as a kaleidoscope which interacts with the landscape over the changing seasons.

Artist impression of Doug Aitken’s Transformer for Project X. Image: Doug Aitken and DarkLab

In 2021, DarkLab was refused a permit by the Huon Valley Council but now a new development application has been submitted.

The DA includes construction of the permanent artwork, a visitor centre and cafe and a carpark with 32 spaces.

Once completed, the proponent forecasts Transformer will attract 30,000 people to the site each year.

The artwork is proposed to be located on Lune River Road at Ida Bay, on a 5ha lot, also home to the Ida Bay railway cafe, train ride area and heritage railway building.

The railway, which is heritage listed, has not been in operation since 2018, after a train derailed, but the Ida Bay Railway Preservation Society has previously flagged interest in reviving the line.

The application says the proposal would not prevent future use of the rail line because there would be a 5m buffer between the carpark for Transformer and the existing infrastructure.

According to the flora and fauna assessment for the project, the property and the proposed installation footprint is home to foraging and nesting habitat for the critically endangered swift parrot.

A swift parrot at Zoodoo Zoo in Tasmania. Source: Zoodoo Zoo.

The assessment reports the risk is minor, but to reduce the risk it is recommended the applicant concentrate on clearing non-native vegetation to avoid trees used as habitat.

It was also recommended construction work taking place within 50m of habitat be conducted outside of the main breeding season for the parrots, between October and December.

If work can’t be completed outside of the breeding period, the work could be allowed if hollows are assessed.

“If hollows are not active with swift parrot nests (nor another threatened species), works can continue during the breeding season,” the assessment says.

The risk of the birds colliding with buildings was considered to be low.

Because the installation is proposed to be built in a state reserve on Crown land, DarkLab would be required to obtain Crown consent before commencing work.

Public submissions on the application can be made to the Huon Valley Council until March 20.