Labor Leader Rebecca White says DarkLab’s Transformer is tied up in red tape

The Transformer Project was supposed to be a major tourism drawcard for the Huon Valley, but since it was announced in 2019, there’s been little progress on the project. Latest.

Artist’s impression of Transformer by Doug Aitken. Image: DarkLab

Tourism operators in the Huon Valley need an update on the proposed DarkLab art installation, Transformer, Labor says, as construction on the project is still in limbo.

The installation, announced in 2019 to be built at Ida Bay, has been previously described as a “never-ending kaleidoscope”.

In 2021 the state government allocated $2.7m towards the build, which was estimated to cost $8.7m at the time.

It was initially expected to be complete in May 2022, but the project was slow to progress, after it was refused by the Huon Valley Council in 2021.

Artist's impression of the internal area of Transformer. Picture: DarkLab

In May this year, the council approved the revised development application.

More than six months later, the status of the project remains unclear.

Labor leader Rebecca White claimed the project was caught up in ‘red tape’, but DarkLab has made no complaints about the progress of the project.

“The community is waiting for the project to be delivered, it’s important that we see more visitation to the far south of Tasmania.,” Ms White said.

“It would be really good to get an update on this project from the government about the progress of the project, we’ve just heard that the Midwinter fest is not going to proceed past next year and that’s been a major drawcard for this region.”

A DarkLab spokesperson said discussions continued with relevant departments.

“Works in relation to Transformer are ongoing, with our next milestone being approval from Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service,” the spokesperson said.

“DarkLab supplied all required documentation to PWS last month and have been given an expected time frame for assessment of mid February 2024, at which time final negotiations around the lease and license conditions will be undertaken.”

Premier and Tourism Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the government had been in communication with DarkLab.

“The Department of State Growth has been working closely with DarkLab regarding the Transformer project,” Mr Rockliff said.

“We were pleased to hear that the Huon Valley Council approved the development application for the project on 24 May this year.

“We look forward to seeing it progress.”

A more recent projections for the installation placed the completion of the build in January, 2024.