Kalamunda Council Seeks Public Input on Secretive Harry Potter Event at Jorgensen Park
The City of Kalamunda has initiated a public consultation process regarding a proposal to temporarily lease a significant portion of Jorgensen Park for an undisclosed entertainment event, which sources indicate is likely a Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience. This move has generated both excitement and concern among local residents and stakeholders.
Proposal Details and Confidentiality
According to council documents, the City plans to lease approximately 15 hectares of the 26-hectare Jorgensen Park to Kzemos Australia, a subsidiary of the US-based Fever Labs, for a ticketed event scheduled to run from early April to July 31, with a possible extension until August 31. The event would operate during late afternoons and evenings, targeting all age groups. However, due to a non-disclosure agreement signed with the proponent, the City cannot disclose specific details about the event, leaving the public to speculate based on industry insights.
The West Australian has learned that the event is suspected to be Perth's inaugural Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience, featuring immersive elements such as lighting, props, music, and special effects to recreate the magical world from the popular books and films. Similar events have been staged globally, including in Brisbane and Melbourne, by Fever Labs in collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery Global Experiences and IMG.
Financial and Environmental Considerations
While financial terms remain confidential, public notices indicate that the City would receive an estimated $230,000 for the land use. The proposal includes comprehensive plans for managing logistics such as parking, transport, noise, waste, and emergencies, alongside an ecological assessment to address environmental impacts. Mayor Margaret Thomas emphasized that the City will oversee remediation works to ensure the reserve is restored to its original condition post-event.
Jorgensen Park is a popular recreational area, traversed by part of the Bibbulmun Track and numerous bush trails used by dog-owners, walkers, and mountain bikers. The City has assured that alternative walking trails will remain available, and only a defined portion of the park will be leased temporarily.
Community and Stakeholder Reactions
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions from the community. Some ratepayers express concerns about potential adverse effects on wildlife, including threatened Black Cockatoos, and the spread of Phytophthora Dieback. The Nature Reserves Preservation Group has called for stringent safeguards to protect vegetation and prevent erosion.
In response to public curiosity, the City has described the event as a family-friendly evening experience designed for visitors to enjoy the natural setting of the Hills. Mayor Thomas noted that the non-disclosure agreement is standard practice for major event feasibility studies and does not predetermine the outcome, stressing that public input is a legal requirement and crucial for decision-making.
Tourism Council WA chief executive Evan Hall welcomed the potential attraction, highlighting that a Harry Potter-themed event could draw overnight visitors from across Western Australia and interstate, boosting local hospitality and accommodation businesses. He praised Kalamunda as a prime tourism destination worthy of broader exposure.
Historical Context and Submissions Deadline
This proposal follows a 2024 incident in Melbourne where a similar Harry Potter event was relocated from a wildlife sanctuary to a dog park due to conservation concerns, underscoring the importance of environmental assessments. Public submissions for the Kalamunda proposal are due by March 13, though event details are not expected to be revealed until April, adding to the community's anticipation and scrutiny.
The City continues to engage with residents, balancing the promise of economic and tourism benefits against environmental preservation and transparency demands.
