Council Opposes $209m Hindu Temple Plan in Melbourne's Green Wedge

A proposed $209 million Hindu temple in Melbourne's outer south-east has sparked concerns about its potential impact on local infrastructure and the environment. The 64-metre tall building, which could become one of the largest Hindu temples in Australia, is planned for a green-wedge zone in Cranbourne South.

The proposal, lodged by Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Australia Ltd (BAPS), would create 143 ongoing jobs and add more than $12 million a year to the Victorian economy, according to its economic benefits assessment. The temple is expected to attract up to 1,200 visitors on a typical weekday, and up to 3,600 for special events.

Economic Benefits and Community Impact

The proposal's economic assessment report argued that the temple is important to provide culturally appropriate infrastructure in the area, given that around one in 10 residents of Casey identify as having Indian ancestry. BAPS volunteer Yash Patel said the proposal was about creating a spiritual home for Australian Hindus while being a welcoming part of the wider Casey community.

"We want the Mahã-Mandir to be a welcoming place where people from all backgrounds can visit, learn, connect and experience a part of Australia's diverse cultural and spiritual life," he said.

Concerns from Local Authorities and Groups

However, the City of Casey council has lodged an objection to the application, citing concerns about planning issues, traffic, road network, vegetation removal, and impacts on local residents. City of Casey mayor Michelle Crowther said the council had asked the state government for clarification on how to assess an application in a green wedge zone.

"The key concerns were really about planning issues," she said.

"Our traffic and road network, the removal of vegetation, impacts on local residents including traffic, noise, lighting and visual amenity and also the inconsistency with the purpose and planning objectives of the Western Port Green Wedge."

Other local groups, including the Western Port Green Wedge Protection Group and the Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association, also plan to oppose the application. David Cole from the Western Port Green Wedge Protection Group said large urban facilities should be located where the infrastructure exists to support them.

"Places of worship are an important part of our community, but large urban facilities should be located where the infrastructure exists to support them," he said.

Next Steps

The proposal will be considered by the planning minister under the state's Development Facilitation Program, which aims to fast-track planning decisions on significant projects. A Victorian government spokesperson said the proposal would be considered on its merits, and that green wedges play an important role in supporting agriculture, jobs, tourism, and open spaces around Melbourne.