A storm is brewing over a new Harry Potter experience earmarked for local bushland, with locals arguing the event will be a curse on native wildlife. Entertainment company Fever has already held the Forbidden Forest Experience in Melbourne and Brisbane. Now, part of Jorgensen Park in Kalamunda, in Perth’s eastern suburbs, will be fenced off until August.
Local Concerns Over Wildlife Impact
“It is in the wrong place,” one local not feeling the magic told 7NEWS. Fearful residents say the fake cobwebs will trap native birds — including threatened black cockatoos — and plastic owls will scare the local wildlife. “We are afraid of a precedent it might set for using these precious special places full of threatened species for future events,” another resident said. A third added: “There are fake spider webs put up which will trap little birds. They use plastic owls, which will scare away birds, they use lighting and massive sound.”
Council and Organisers Respond
The event is billed as a ‘night time woodland trail filled with magical creatures and wizarding wonders’. The council said it has scoured the lease area for nesting sites, but none have been found. “I sincerely believed after having read everything from the experts about the environment that this event will not hurt a single tree any animals,” Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas said.
Event Details and Community Reaction
7NEWS understands the deal is done, with a lease signed by both the state and city. The event organisers will move in next month to start the build before the first event in June. Perth Potterheads are already dusting off their brooms and wands. “I have probably spoken to easily I would say over 300 people in the last couple of months about this and so many people have said, where ever it takes place they will be going,” Potions and Wands store owner Sognia Vassallo-Sime said.
