A PARK in Hillarys undergoing works to become a health and wellbeing hub has emerged as a new destination for music in Perth’s north.
Whitfords Nodes Park has hosted big events in the past, including the Queen’s Baton Relay celebration in 2018, the MSWA Great Ocean Ride and triathlon/duathlon events, and it has now become the location of choice for two major music events.
Kicking off this Sunday with legendary UK DJ Fatboy Slim, the seaside park has also become the new home for the Castaway Festival, following five years at Rottnest Island, which some of the hottest Australian electronic producers.
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Not only are the events a coup for music lovers in the northern corridor, with the opportunity to see such acts in their backyard, they are expected to be a financial win for the local economy.
Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob confirmed the City was approached by Zaccaria Concerts and Touring, who is presenting both events, in early 2019 about the potential of holding events at the park.
“The City has a strategic position to attract significant events to benefit our community, tourists and local businesses, and to continue to showcase Joondalup as a destination city and entertainment precinct,” Mr Jacob said.
“These events play a major role in driving positive economic outcomes for the local business economy, creating vibrancy in the region and boosting expenditure with local businesses.
“As per any booking of a City facility, the City receives a fee for venue hire.”
With thousands expected to descend on the park for these events, Mr Jacob said the City had been working closely with event organisers to ensure they put in place “additional mitigation measures outside of any relevant requirements”.
These requirements include noise, parking and notifying nearby residents of the event, its duration and anticipated noise impact.
“The notification to residents will also include a telephone number that any resident may call during the event to express any concerns,” Mr Jacob said.
“The event organiser has been required to engage independent acoustic consultants to monitor noise levels to ensure their statutory obligations are met.
“The City also places restrictions on the event that includes an event curfew, and environmental health officers will also be in attendance to monitor noise levels.
“The estimated capacity at Whitfords Nodes Park is assessed by the City and dependent on the site plan prepared by the event organiser.”
Mr Jacob said Zaccaria Events was also encouraging attendees to use public transport, private charters or an extensive shuttle service providing pick up locations throughout the Perth metro area, and there will also be a dedicated ride share drop-off area and ACROD parking.
For this Sunday’s Fatboy Slim event, the City has advised Whitfords Nodes Park will be closed from Thursday, January 30 to Wednesday, February 5 for set up and pack down.
On the day of the show, modified road conditions and speed limits will also be in place.
Concerns relating to noise can be directed to the event organiser on 0491 705 008, while issues with parking and antisocial behaviour can be directed to City Rangers on 1300 655 860 or for more serious matters, to police on 131 444.
Mr Jacob said the City was proud to support events at locations such as Whitfords Nodes Park, “which showcase our outstanding natural assets such as wonderful pristine beaches”.
“Joondalup boasts some of the finest and most picturesque locations to stage cultural, civic and entertainment events, and we would welcome further enquiries from organisers to stage significant and unique events in the region,” he said.
Whitfords Nodes Park will soon also be known for being home to “Jacob’s Ladder of the North” with part of the park expected to be closed until May while construction of the fitness staircase takes place.