Council opposes $209m Hindu temple in outer Melbourne green zone

A proposed $209 million Hindu temple in outer Melbourne could become the largest of its kind in Australia, bringing in visitors from around the country and generating millions of dollars in economic activity every year.

But the proposal has triggered concerns that the 64-metre tall building could overwhelm local infrastructure and threaten wildlife in the green-wedge zone the site sits in.

Bochasanwasi Shri Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha Australia Ltd (BAPS) has lodged the application for a Mahā-Mandir place of worship on the Western Port Highway, in Cranbourne South on Melbourne's south-eastern fringe.

According to the application's economic benefits assessment, the Mahā-Mandir would create 143 ongoing jobs and add more than $12 million a year to the Victorian economy.

It is expected to attract up to 1,200 visitors on a typical weekday, and three times that for special events up to nine times a year.

"With an intricate, high-craftsmanship design, the project is also expected to become a pilgrimage tourist attraction, driving visitation and associated economic benefits," said the report.

It is the second proposal for a place of worship in the green-wedge zone in recent months, exemplifying a pressing issue for fast-growing communities in outer suburban areas with limited land set aside for places of worship.

The Bethel New Life Christian Fellowship had applied to build the two-storey church in a green wedge in Cranbourne South but the proposal was voted down by the City of Casey.

Temple to create 'spiritual home'

Because of its projected economic value, the Hindu temple proposal was lodged under the state government's Development Facilitation Program which means the decision will be made by the planning minister and bypass local council.

City of Casey mayor Michelle Crowther said the council had lodged an objection to the application following an assessment of planning rules.

"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."

Cr Crowther said the council had asked the state government for clarification on how to assess an application in a green wedge zone — areas outside of urban growth boundaries that are set aside for low-density activities such as farming or environmental purposes.

"It's really discretionary," she said.

"So that's where it makes it tricky for people who are purchasing the land, but also for a council that is considering the applications."

The proposal's economic assessment report argued the temple was important to provide culturally appropriate infrastructure in the area.

Around one in 10 residents of Casey identify as having Indian ancestry, compared to 5.3 per cent of the population across greater Melbourne.

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.

Other local groups object to temple

David Cole from the Western Port Green Wedge Protection Group said the group also planned to oppose the application.

"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.

"We encourage governments at all levels to work with faith communities to identify appropriately zoned land within the Urban Growth Boundary to meet their growing place-of-worship needs."

Casey Residents and Ratepayers Association president Anthony Tassone said he had concerns about the scale of the development, which he said would be about as tall as a 20-storey building.

"The fundamental planning question is simple: is a development of this extraordinary scale and intensity appropriate on green-wedge land in this location?"

he said.

The proposal went to public notice in September.

A Victorian government said the proposal would be considered on its merits.

"Green wedges play an important role in supporting agriculture, jobs, tourism and open spaces around Melbourne, which is why we have a plan to strengthen protections for them," they said.

"Boundaries are being established for regional cities and towns to limit their outward expansion and protect Victoria's natural resources, biodiversity, landscapes and agricultural land."

Victoria's Development Facilitation Program was established to fast-track planning decisions on significant projects to a matter of months.