Updated: Questions We’re Hearing from the Community re: Jorgensen Park – Proposed Temporary Event
Updated: Thursday 19 March 2026. The City has received a number of questions from the community following the Public Notice regarding the proposed temporary lease of part of Jorgensen Park for an event. To help provide clarity, we have summarised some of the most common questions and responses.
The City has received a range of questions from the community regarding the proposed temporary lease of a portion of Jorgensen Park.
This page has been updated following the recent community information session and reflects the key themes and questions we are hearing.
The statutory public notice period for the proposed lease has now closed.
All submissions received will be considered as part of the decision-making process.
1. What exactly is the event proposed?
At this stage we’re not able to publicly name the event due to a commercial confidentiality agreement with the event proponent.
What we can share is that it is a ticketed, family-friendly evening experience designed for visitors to walk through and enjoy the natural setting of the Hills.
More details will be shared as soon as we are legally able to do so (weeks not months!).
2. Why can’t the City just tell us what it is?
We understand many people are curious about the experience proposed for Jorgensen Park.
The reason is that the event proponent has a commercial confidentiality agreement in place while contractual arrangements, licensing and operational planning are finalised.
This is common practice for major international experiences, particularly where intellectual property and licensing arrangements are involved.
The City will share further information as soon as it is legally able to do so.
3. Has Council already approved this, and has the lease been signed or is it proceeding on 6 April?
No. The lease has not been signed and no final decision has been made.
The City issued a Public Notice because the Local Government Act 1995 requires community comment to be invited before entering into the proposed lease. All submissions received during the public notice period are currently being reviewed and will help inform the final decision.
The date of 6 April referenced in the public notice is the earliest possible commencement date, should all required processes, approvals and considerations be completed. It is not a confirmed start date.
At its meeting on 24 February 2026, Council delegated authority to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to progress the statutory process, including the ability to execute a lease of this nature.
The Chief Executive Officer will circulate the officer report and submissions received in response to the public notice for the proposed temporary lease of a portion of Jorgensen Park to the Mayor and Councillors for their review, and will consider their feedback before determining whether to proceed.
No lease will be executed unless all required processes have been completed.
4. Why was the public comment period only 14 days?
The 14-day submission period is a statutory requirement under the Local Government Act 1995 for proposals involving the lease of public land.
The public notice period has now closed. Submissions received are being reviewed and will be considered as part of the decision-making process.
5. Will the whole park be closed?
No. The proposed lease relates to a defined portion of Jorgensen Park, not the entire park. The below map indicates the event footprint (red line) and the Park's perimeter (yellow line).
6. What about impacts on residents?
If the proposal proceeds, the City will require management measures relating to:
- traffic and parking
- visitor movement
- safety
- noise management
- waste and cleaning
The City will continue to work directly with nearby residents and impacted park users.
7. How will dog walkers and regular park users be affected?
Jorgensen Park is well used by the community for recreation, including walking and dog exercise.
If the proposal proceeds:
- some areas may be temporarily restricted
- alternative access to other parts of the park would remain available
- restrictions would only apply during the event period
8. Is the event going to be loud?
No. This is not a concert, music festival or bush doof. The proposed event is designed to complement the natural environment rather than create loud entertainment.
9. Why Jorgensen Park?
Jorgensen Park offers a unique natural setting with bushland surrounds and accessibility close to the Kalamunda town centre.
10. What about traffic and parking?
If the proposal proceeds, traffic and parking management will be a key part of planning.
Measures would include alternate transport options, monitoring peak periods, signage and operational management.
11. What about wildlife and the environment?
Environmental protection is a key consideration.
If the proposal proceeds, environmental assessments and management plans will be required, including protection of vegetation, wildlife and restoration of the site.
12. Is the City selling the park?
No. Jorgensen Park remains Crown land vested to the care and control of the City.
This proposal relates only to a temporary lease of a portion of the park.
13. How can I have my say?
The formal public notice period has now closed.
Community members are still welcome to contact the City if they have questions, would like further information, or wish to speak with staff.
Additional questions following the community information session
Following the information session held on 13 March, we have added further questions based on feedback and discussions with the community.
We will continue to update this page as further information becomes available.
14. Can the City extend the 14-day statutory consultation period?
The 14-day public notice period is a requirement under the Local Government Act 1995.
While the formal period has now concluded, community members are still welcome to contact the City with questions or to request further information.
15. Will the City hold another public meeting with Councillors in attendance?
The City has not scheduled any further public meetings at this time.
A small information session was held on 13 March for nearby residents.
Community members are still welcome to contact the City or attend a Council meeting to ask a question in accordance with meeting procedures.
16. Will this set a precedent?
Each proposal involving public land is assessed on its own merits.
Any future proposals would be subject to their own statutory processes and approvals.
17. Where else can we walk our dog off-leash?
Jorgensen Park is one of a number of locations within the City where dogs can be exercised.
If the proposal proceeds, only a defined portion of the park would be temporarily restricted, with the majority of the park remaining accessible to the public, including for off-lead dog exercise.
Based on current planning, approximately 70–80% of Jorgensen Park is expected to remain accessible, noting final figures will be confirmed once the lease area is finalised. The City will then provide a map to clearly show the proposed restricted area and the areas that will remain accessible, including for dog walkers.
The City also has a network of 24 gazetted off-lead dog exercise areas and three enclosed dog parks across the district, which will continue to be available.
Nearby alternative off-lead areas within close proximity include:
Old Railway Reserve (various sections between Williams, Elizabeth, Tella, Collins and Lesmurdie Roads)
Old Yorna Road Reserve (corner of Alpine and Bird Roads)
Ledger Road Reserve (noting some temporary limitations due to a separate event)
If you are seeking alternative locations, information on dog exercise areas across the City is available on our website:
https://www.kalamunda.wa.gov.au/residents/pets-livestock/dogs-cats
18. What about impacts on wildlife such as magpies?
Environmental and wildlife considerations are part of the assessment process.
If the proposal proceeds, management measures will be required to minimise impacts.
19. What about breeding seasons?
Environmental assessments will consider seasonal impacts, including breeding periods, and appropriate mitigation measures will be required.
20. How much has the City spent on this process?
The City incurs standard internal costs when assessing proposals.
Commercial arrangements, including cost recovery, are considered as part of lease negotiations and are not finalised unless the proposal proceeds.
21. Why is the City considering this proposal?
The City regularly receives proposals for the use of public land.
Each proposal is assessed through statutory, environmental and operational processes before any decision is made.
22. Is Jorgensen Park a Class A Reserve?
No. Jorgensen Park is a Class C Crown Reserve.
Under the Land Administration Act 1997, Class C reserves may be leased subject to approvals.
23. Are State or Commonwealth approvals required?
Based on current assessments, the proposal is not expected to trigger Commonwealth approvals.
No extensive clearing is anticipated, and existing paths will be used where possible.
Environmental assessments will address potential impacts, including foot traffic.
24. What about dieback?
Dieback is already present in large parts of Jorgensen Park.
If the proposal proceeds, management measures such as hygiene controls and wash-down stations may be required to minimise spread.
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For further information or to speak with City staff, please contact: