THE discovery of hazardous asbestos in fill soil has become the latest flashpoint in the growing community opposition to the City of Kalamunda’s decision to lease Jorgensen Park for a commercial Harry Potter experience trail.

The presence of the material has raised urgent public safety concerns just weeks before the event’s scheduled opening.

Kalamunda resident Toni Warden, who coordinated the collection and testing of the samples with other locals, said the physical evidence directly contradicts official assurances.

“Despite the city’s claims that the fill soil is completely safe, the material is visibly contaminated with plastic, glass, metal and other debris,” Ms Warden said.

“We found two pieces of what looked to be asbestos, one directly on the walking trail and another just outside the fencing, so we decided to seek a formal laboratory analysis,” she said.

Laboratory results from Lifetree Environmental confirmed the presence of both Chrysotile and Amosite asbestos in the samples gathered.

“Jorgensen Park isn’t a generic piece of land; it is a priority one catchment area that flows directly into the Helena River,” Ms Warden said

“It also houses 27 endangered species; the city’s lack of urgency regarding these contamination risks is deeply concerning given the ecological sensitivity of the site.”

Mayor Margaret Thomas defended the city’s procurement process and maintained that the soil had been vetted by professionals.

“The material used onsite was sourced through normal industry channels from a reputable supplier and had undergone testing and acceptance processes prior to placement,” she said.

“Following concerns raised by community members, additional investigations and testing were undertaken.

“Based on information currently available, the response from relevant authorities has been precautionary and proportionate, with no direction to cease works or remove material from site.

“The city continues to work with relevant authorities and independent specialists regarding the material and any required management actions.”

Ms Warden expressed frustration that the city had questioned the validity of the findings without reviewing the documentation commissioned.

“I openly invited the city to make direct contact, I documented every detail, exactly where each sample was found, the specific dates and times of collection, and the names of the witnesses present, yet the city has made no effort to review this evidence.”

“To date, no such engagement has occurred, despite the city questioning the provenance of the material.”

The Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience is expected to open June 12 and run seven days a week.