Petitioners take aim at Perth drive-in theatre proposal over tree removal, late-night noise
A proposed four-screen, drive-in movie theatre in Maddington will put endangered black cockatoos at further risk, local petitioners say.
The Ace Cinema 807-car drive-in currently open for public comment with the City of Gosnells includes four outdoor cinema screens, a central café building and mini golf course.
A proposed drive-in movie theatre could take more than 800 cars a night.Credit: Rowe Group
The cinema is proposed to open Monday to Sunday between sunset and 1am, with two screenings per night per screen.
The mini golf and café are proposed to open Monday to Sunday between 12pm and 4pm.
Addressed to the City of Gosnells, the petition to “save Harmony Fields Reserve” claims 180 mature trees would be removed if the drive-in plan was to go ahead.
“Harmony Fields Reserve is a valuable green space used daily by families, sports teams, dog walkers, and wildlife enthusiasts,” the petition says.
“Harmony Fields is home to numerous species, including the endangered Carnaby’s black cockatoo.
“Removing trees and disturbing their habitat endangers this species and others that rely on the reserve.”
The development’s landscape plan says the site was “mostly clear of trees”, and any trees removed would be “compensated for with new planting”.
In response to the petition, City of Gosnells Mayor Terresa Lynes told this masthead that 80 native and non-native trees, of which about 30 are estimated to be fully mature, were expected to be removed.
“In assessing the proposal, the city will consider opportunities to minimise the number of trees that need to be removed if the development proceeds,” Lynes said.
Cars would enter the facility via a new access road connecting to the existing roundabout at the intersection of Gosnells Road West and Alcock Street.
As vehicles approach the entrance, the access road would split into six queuing lanes, serviced by three double-ticket booths.
The petition also claimed a proposed 1.8 metre-high fence would make the reserve feel “prison-like”, and said its 1am closing time would introduce late-night noise, light pollution and increased traffic.
The development approval will be made by the Metro Outer Development Assessment Panel, with the city’s report to the panel including the outcome of community consultation.
Public comments close Tuesday, November 19.
Kingsley’s Galaxy Drive-in Theatre in the northern suburbs is currently Perth’s only drive-in theatre.