Don’t let your parks and beaches become commercialised.

1. This event will create a significant impact on the endangered Black Cockatoos that roost and nest in Jorgensen Park
2. This event removes 90% of the accessible walking areas for people with mobility needs. 

This matters because it sets a precedent about who our public spaces are really for. What is happening here is not abstract or distant. It is a direct grab at local recreational and community spaces that people use every day.

Imagine if your council or the State decided to fence off your local beach for more than 15 weeks. No access. No alternatives. Or if it was your regular walking route, hiking trail, or bike path. Places you rely on for exercise, connection, and mental health suddenly removed so a private operator can run a commercial event.

Crown land exists for the people of Western Australia. It is there to be shared, accessed, and enjoyed. It is not surplus space to be locked away for extended periods so private entities can generate profit, particularly when the activity falls outside the approved use of the land.

Our natural landscape is one of the reasons people choose to live here. It underpins our wellbeing and our lifestyle. Once we accept that public land can be fenced off for months at a time for commercial gain, it becomes much easier for it to happen again. And next time, it might be the place you care about most.

The City of Kalamunda is planning to execute a binding lease on 6 April 2026 to allow short or long-term commercial events at Jorgensen Park, a beloved recreational space and nature reserve. However, this decision is proceeding without conducting a vital site-specific ecological assessment. The park is home to 27 Listed Threatened Species, making this oversight gravely concerning.

Furthermore, expert evidence highlighting the risks associated with similar commercial activities has been ignored. The entity that ran comparable events at The Briars in Victoria, has resulted in documented cases of permanent sensory damage to nocturnal fauna. These findings should not be overlooked when making decisions that could significantly impact Kalamunda's natural heritage.

Jorgensen Park is not just a plot of land; it is part of our community's identity. Leasing it for commercial purposes endangers the habitat of countless species and undermines the environmental efforts to preserve such precious ecosystems.

Recreational areas like Jorgensen Park are vital for community wellbeing, providing spaces for individuals and families to connect with nature. Allowing commercial events that could disrupt or destroy these existing ecosystems for temporary financial gain is a short-sighted approach that neglects the long-term environmental and societal costs.

We urge the City of Kalamunda to reconsider this decision and put in place robust measures to protect Jorgensen Park's ecological value. Conducting an ecological assessment specific to the park should be prioritized to ensure that any potential impacts are well-understood and avoided.

Please sign this petition to stand against the lease of Jorgensen Park for commercial events and to call for the necessary due diligence in safeguarding our natural reserves.