The City of Kalamunda continues to receive a high level of community interest and questions regarding the temporary event at Jorgensen Park.
This page has been created to provide clear and up-to-date information about the event, approvals process, environmental management measures and operational arrangements.
As the project has progressed, the focus of community questions has also evolved - from the initial lease and approvals process through to environmental management, site works, event operations and nearby resident impacts.
To make information easier to navigate, FAQs are now grouped into key themes and will continue to be updated as further verified information becomes available.
The City acknowledges there are differing views within the community regarding the proposal. We remain committed to providing factual information, responding to enquiries and ensuring the event is managed in accordance with relevant approvals, conditions and operational requirements.
Where full technical reports or management plans cannot be publicly released due to intellectual property, contractual or operational limitations, the City will seek to provide high-level summaries of key findings, mitigation measures and approval requirements wherever possible.
Previous versions of the FAQs and earlier project updates remain available for transparency and historical reference.
Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is a temporary, ticketed outdoor evening experience designed for visitors to walk through and enjoy an immersive light and sound trail within a natural bushland setting.
The experience is family friendly and operates during evening hours only.
For more information visit: Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience in Perth
The event is currently scheduled to commence from 12 June 2026.
Based on current information provided by the event organiser:
The first week of operation is expected to include a launch period operating seven days per week.
The event is operated by FEVER.
Jorgensen Park provides a unique natural setting close to the Kalamunda town centre, with existing trail infrastructure and accessibility suited to the operational requirements of the event.
Alternative locations were explored at a high level but were not progressed because they did not meet the event’s physical and operational requirements.
No. The event relates only to a defined portion of Jorgensen Park.
The majority of the reserve will remain accessible to the public throughout the event period.
Yes. While some areas within the event footprint will be temporarily restricted, public access to other areas of Jorgensen Park will remain available.
The City also maintains a network of alternative off-lead dog exercise areas across the district.
Yes. Jorgensen Park remains accessible to the public during the event period.
The temporary traffic management arrangements in place on event nights affect vehicle movements and parking around the event site, not public access to the park itself.
The City acknowledges that many residents use Jorgensen Park for dog walking in the late afternoon and evening.
If you are planning to visit the park during event operating hours, we encourage you to consider the following options:
Use an alternative trail or dog walking location: If you are able to use another nearby trail or reserve on event nights, this will help reduce traffic and congestion around the event site.
Walk to the park: If you live within walking distance of Jorgensen Park, we encourage you to walk rather than drive where possible. Park in the Kalamunda town centre and walk to the park: Parking is available within the Kalamunda town centre, with pedestrian access to Jorgensen Park available via surrounding pathways and trails.
If you need to drive directly to the park: Traffic management will be in place from approximately 4.30pm on event nights to support the safe operation of the event. Visitors arriving to walk their dog will be permitted through the traffic management point and may park within the Kalamunda Community Centre car park, subject to available parking bays.
We appreciate the community's patience and cooperation while this temporary event is underway and encourage all visitors to follow directions from traffic management personnel.
While some areas may be temporarily unavailable, the City of Kalamunda is home to an extensive network of stunning walk trails, from gentle nature strolls to challenging bushwalks, all showcasing the beauty of the Perth Hills. Explore our full range of walk trails here - https://experienceperthhills.com.au/11-dog-friendly-walk-trails-in-the-perth-hills/
There is still a full trail loop available at Jorgensen Park, should you wish to visit, it is 2.1km long - which can be seen below:
The City considered whether development approval was required under the Metropolitan Region Scheme (MRS).
Following consideration of the planning framework and discussions with senior officers from the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), the City determined that the proposal falls within an exemption under clause 29 of the MRS and does not require development approval.
The proposal remains subject to other approvals, conditions and operational requirements.
The proposal required:
To ensure compliance with all relevant approvals and operational requirements, City officers continue to liaise with the following agencies:
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water (DCCEEW)
Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER)
Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA)
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA)
Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH)
Department of Health (DoH)
Department of Local Government, Industry Regulation & Safety (LGIRS)
Western Australia Police Force (WAPOL)
Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES)
Environmental consultant
City
DWER
EPA
Environmental Consultant
DCCEEW
DCCEEW advised that small-scale actions with only minor impacts, particularly in areas with abundant alternative habitat or resources, are unlikely to constitute a significant impact under the EPBC Act
Third Party / Community
DBCA
Proponent
Ornithologist
Links:
Fauna Assessment_RedactedEPBC Act Self-Impact Assessment_Redacted
Independent Review of Fauna Assessment Report_Redacted
Summary of Ornithologist Assessment
The proposal was initially subject to a commercial confidentiality agreement (NDA).
This is common practice for major international events involving intellectual property, branding and licensing arrangements prior to public launch.
The NDA related primarily to the public release of event branding, commercial information and promotional details.
Yes. Jorgensen Park is managed in accordance with the Jorgensen Park Management Plan (2008).
The plan addresses conservation, recreation and land use considerations and continues to guide management of the reserve today.
Yes. An ecological assessment has been completed by suitably qualified environmental consultants engaged by the event operator.
The City has also commissioned an independent third-party ecological review and specialist ornithological advice relating to black cockatoo habitat and behaviour.
The assessment concludes that:
Environmental considerations, including black cockatoo habitat and breeding behaviour, have formed a key part of the assessment process.
Specialist ornithological advice has also been obtained as part of the City’s review process.
The City has engaged independent specialists to monitor environmental outcomes throughout the event.
To date, monitoring has not identified any measurable impacts on monitored fauna species or evidence that black cockatoo roosting behaviour has been affected by the event.
Monitoring will continue throughout the duration of the event.
The assessment specifically advises that lighting must avoid illuminating tree hollows, cracks, or confirmed black cockatoo night roost sites to prevent habitat displacement.
Key habitat trees identified prior to event installation, including those containing large hollows suitable for black cockatoo nesting and roosting, have not been directly illuminated as part of the event.
These trees were identified and highlighted during the installation phase, and no lighting was installed on or directed towards them.
There are currently no known black cockatoo roost sites located within the event footprint.
The City has engaged an independent ornithologist to monitor the roosting behaviour of Black Cockatoos in the area, and to date, there is no evidence to suggest that the roosting behaviour of these birds has been affected by the event.
The assessment mandates that dense understorey patches remain entirely unlit to serve as safe “dark refuges” for ground fauna.
Illumination levels vary considerably throughout the site and there are a number of areas where lighting is either absent or substantially reduced.
The lighting design does not create uniform illumination across the entire event footprint.
To date, ecological monitoring has not identified any measurable impacts on monitored fauna species.
The assessment restricts short-wavelength (blue/UV-rich) lighting due to the physiological harm it causes to nocturnal wildlife.
Lighting that appears blue, purple or pink to the human eye is not necessarily categorised as blue/UV-rich lighting.
Most of the coloured lighting used throughout the event consists of visible-spectrum lighting effects and should not be assumed to have the same ecological impacts as UV-rich or bright white lighting.
A limited number of UV-effect fixtures are used within the event area; however, these are highly targeted and directed solely at UV-reactive artwork surfaces to create a fluorescence effect rather than provide general illumination.
Management plans include biosecurity and hygiene controls relating to dieback and Polyphagous Shot-Hole Borer (PSHB).
These measures include vehicle hygiene and operational management requirements where appropriate.
The offset projects referenced by community members remain in the planning phase and are subject to future funding and delivery timeframes.
Based on current information, there is not expected to be any overlap or conflict between the offsets and the temporary event.
The City has received a range of management and operational plans, including:
Some technical reports and management plans are subject to intellectual property, commercial or operational limitations and may not be able to be released in full.
Where possible, the City will provide summaries of key findings, mitigation measures and operational requirements.
The event operator is responsible for implementing the approved management plans and responding to operational issues during the event.
In addition, authorised City officers will undertake regular monitoring and compliance inspections throughout the event period.
The assessment requires that infrastructure must be positioned to completely avoid the root zones of significant trees and critical ground shelter structures.
While there is temporary infrastructure on the forest floor, off-path installation areas were included within the approved event footprint and subject to environmental controls.
Placement of temporary infrastructure occurred using “stop and check” methodology with consideration of arboricultural criteria which determines the critical root zone.
Proximity to a tree does not necessarily indicate that a critical root zone has been compromised.
All locations of temporary infrastructure reviewed and adjusted where necessary to avoid significant tree roots and sensitive habitat features.
No excavation or ground disturbance occurred, and all structures were surface placed.
Current works include:
Some pathway and mitigation works had already been identified by the City as desirable park management and access improvement works.
Bump-in refers to the setup and installation phase prior to the event opening.
Bump-out refers to the removal of infrastructure and rehabilitation activities following the conclusion of the event.
The material used onsite was sourced through normal industry channels from a reputable supplier and had undergone testing and acceptance processes prior to placement.
Following concerns raised by community members, additional investigations and testing were undertaken.
The City continues to work with relevant authorities and independent specialists regarding the material and any required management actions.
If you have an asbestos-related enquiry, please contact the City at enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au. Your enquiry will be assessed and referred to the appropriate team, and we will aim to respond within 10 business days.
Stage
What Occurred
Who Was Involved
Actions Taken
Outcome / Current Status
Fill sourced
Historically, the site was used at various times as a timber reserve, orchard and golf course, including a clubhouse containing asbestos.
Fill material was delivered to site for trail improvement works.
Contractor
Material used onsite was sourced from a reputable supplier and underwent standard testing and acceptance processes prior to placement.
Approximately 400 tonnes of fill approved for use onsite
Community concerns raised
Concerns raised regarding potential asbestos fragments within the fill material.
Community members
Matter referred to the City’s Environmental Health team for investigation.
Site inspection undertaken by authorised officers.
Appropriate site safety and control measures were confirmed to be in place at the time of inspection.
Further investigation / sampling initiated
Investigation & Sampling
Sampling, laboratory analysis and reporting undertaken.
Ongoing liaison with consultant, DWER, DoH and WorkSafe regarding findings and management actions.
Independent consultant
DoH
Work Safe
Sampling, analysis and reporting
Ongoing liaison and review of findings with consultant, DWER, DoH & Work Safe
Fragments were collected from the fill, with some returning a positive result for non-friable asbestos.
The results do not exceed the 0.001% threshold applicable to volume of C&D fill
Surface sweep and inspection of affected area undertaken.
Sweep / emu-pick of area where fill used
Targeted sweep and emu-pick undertaken by specialist contractors to identify and remove any visible fragments or contaminants from the surface area.
15 contingency samples collected and analysed.
Findings indicate contamination was limited and appropriately mitigated through the surface remediation process.
Low level theatrical lighting is used along the trail designed to create subtle coverage to the forest and reduce light spill to nearby residents.
Lighting levels comply with the National Light Poluttion for Wildlife (DCCEEW 2023)
Emergency lighting will be installed every 20m to ensure patron safety, and compliance with statutory requirements.
Compliance Note:Noise and lighting management plans form part of the approval process and include mitigation measures designed to minimise impacts on nearby residents and wildlife.
Event Noise
The predicted event noise levels at the nearest residence (measured externally) are expected to be below 30dB(A), which complies with the prescribed standard for noise emissions.
This is comparable to a low-level conversation.
Low-level speaker volumes will be pre-set and directed toward each installation along the trail to create a localised audio experience and minimise noise spill.
Generators
Hybrid generators will be used and will primarily operate on battery power, providing a quieter and lower-emission power source.
All general event parking will be located off site. Patrons will be transported to and from the site via dedicated shuttle buses.
Only ACROD parking / people with mobility requirements will be permitted to park on site using the gravel car park.
Compliance Note:Traffic and parking management forms part of the operational planning process.
Measures include traffic management planning, transport arrangements and operational controls.
During the operational phase of the event, event-related operational enquiries should be directed to the event operator in the first instance.
The City will continue to oversee compliance with approval conditions and regulatory requirements.
There are a number of environmental mitigations which the event proponent is required to maintain under their Event Approval.
Through the planning and design of the event, City staff and expert consultants have worked with the event proponent to ensure that all mitigations are correctly implemented.
Nocturnal inspections are being undertaken across the course of the event, and if any issues are identified during the monitoring process, the necessary adjustments will be made to the event.
Yes.
The event is subject to approval conditions, and the operator is responsible for monitoring impacts and responding to operational issues.
Authorised City officers will also undertake regular compliance inspections and monitoring activities throughout the event period.
As unauthorised access and vandalism at the event site continues, it has been necessary for the applicant to develop a substantially revised plan in response to the changing circumstances.
The plan will be submitted for assessment and approval by both the City and Police.
On site security is in operation 24 hours a day and will remain in place until bump-out.
CCTV has been installed across the site and monitored 24/7.
Any unlawful, threatening or disruptive behaviour, including outside the event site, will be reported to WA Police.
The event operator is responsible for day-to-day event operations and management.
The City retains oversight regarding compliance with approval conditions and public safety obligations.
The City regularly receives proposals relating to the use of public land.
Each proposal is assessed against environmental, operational, statutory and community considerations before decisions are made.
Estimate / Data Source
What It Included
Notes
Early Economic Estimates / Modelling
Preliminary modelling
Using economy.id
Based 90 day period
The modelling includes assumptions for additional visitor spending within the local area such as:
food and beverage
retail purchases
fuel
transport and
other incidental spending
Initial high-level estimate only based on information available at that time
~$23.2M output
~$12.1M value add
~204 FTE jobs supported
~$18M direct visitor spend
Current Forecasts
Updated modelling estimates
Based on updated information from event management plan / event approval (appx. 50 event days)
The figures reflect the best information available at the time.
Estimate only:
~12.2M output
~ 6.38M value add
~ 96 FTE jobs supported
~10M direct visitor spend
Direct Financial Benefits
Lease
Application / Approval income
Revenue received directly by the City
remedial improvements to the existing trails to improve surface condition, drainage, and usability
enduring public benefit by:
supporting increased community use
improving overall user experience
Measured Event Data (Post Event)
Actual event data and monitoring
Measured event data post-event may include
attendance numbers
visitation patterns
accommodation usage,
local business spend
community and visitor sentiment
and local employment opportunities generated through event operations, contractors and supporting services.
Will assess actual outcomes and inform future events
The estimated economic impact is expected to occur progressively over the duration of the event, including bump-in, operational and bump-out periods, with the majority of spending occurring during event operations as visitors attend and spend within the local area.
The economic benefits are expected to flow to the event provider, to local businesses and to industries including hospitality, tourism, retail, accommodation, transport, and event services. Revenue is generated through visitor spending on items such as tickets, food and beverage, shopping, fuel, transport and other incidental purchases within the City and surrounding area.
Increased visitor activity will support local businesses, jobs and economic vibrancy within the City, while also helping to raise the profile of Kalamunda as a destination. This can create broader flow-on benefits for the community, support future investment and visitation opportunities, and contribute to a stronger local economy over time.
In addition, direct revenue received through the lease arrangement can be reinvested by the City into community assets, infrastructure and the ongoing management and improvement of Jorgensen Park and surrounding reserves, delivering longer-term benefits for ratepayers and the broader community.
Yes. Previous versions of the FAQs and earlier project updates remain available for transparency and historical reference.
These archived pages reflect information available at specific points in time as the proposal progressed through assessment, approvals and operational planning.
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