DarkLab’s ambitious art installation project ‘Transformer’ has received approval from the Huon Valley Council.
The project, an offshoot of the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA), will create a ‘never-ending kaleidoscope’ of light and weather in the Wilderness World Heritage Area.
Huon Valley Council say the project is expected to attract an additional 30,000 visitors annually to the region.
The project, designed by for DarkLab, will be located at Ida Bay, alongside the Ida Bay Railway.
The approved plans include a visitor centre, café, and carpark, providing historical context and engaging visitors with the site’s heritage.
Consultations between DarkLab, heritage consultants, and local stakeholders ensured that the project aligns with the vision of the Ida Bay Railway Preservation Society.
Environmental impact assessments were conducted, focusing on protecting the habitat of the Swift Parrot.
The council’s approval comes with conditions, including adjustments to operating hours to protect wildlife and preserve the site’s heritage.
Mayor Sally Doyle says she sees the Transformer project as a ‘game-changer’ for the Huon Valley.
“We have waited for this for a long time, and I’d like to see work started as soon as possible.”
Funding for the project was secured in 2019 to aid in economic recovery following the bushfires.
