The closure has been authorised due to an increase in surface landfill gas emissions, which has been detected as part of the City's annual monitoring of landfill gas emissions.

As a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of visitors and contractors, the City of Kalamunda is temporarily closing access to Pioneer Park. This includes both pedestrian and vehicle access.

What are the risks?

The risk assessment indicates that while the likelihood of an incident is considered very low or unlikely, in rare circumstances, surface landfill gas (methane) could ignite due to certain activities carried out on the land.

This risk applies to occasional public use of the site for activities that may increase the chance of ignition (e.g. flying model aeroplanes, smoking), as well as to City employees and contractors operating machinery or vehicles on site.

Next steps

The City is continuing to evaluate and update this risk in consultation with the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER) accredited Contaminated Sites Auditor. 

The City will review the actions needed, including the temporary closure of Pioneer Park based on the updated risk evaluation in consultation with the Auditor. 

For more information, read our Contaminated Sites Frequently Asked Questions.