Lysterfield South residents petition against potential religious development next to Churchill National Park
Locals fear plans to build a mosque next to Churchill National Park will put endangered wildlife at risk and cause a fire hazard.
South East
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A council in Melbourne’s southeast is considering allowing a mosque to be built next to a national park, potentially putting endangered species at risk.
Casey Council accepted a submission for development of a new mosque in Lysterfield South, which would allow for gatherings of up to 150 people, next to Churchill National Park
Residents started an online petition opposing the development neat to the national park, which is home to eight endangered species and one critically endangered — the regent honeyeater.
Sue Johnston, from Sue’s Roo’s Kangaroo Rescue Rehab Release, was outraged at the submission and its lack of consideration to the local wildlife.
“The submission only included a flora survey to assess the impact of the development. It should also include a fauna survey,” she said.
“The property has been used by kangaroos as a grazing ground for years. An additional 150 people moving through the park would be disastrous.”
Ms Johnston said the were often collisions between cars and kangaroos at the Battersby Way and Churchill Park Dr intersection
“If there is 150 extra people coming through the area, there will definitely be a rise in collisions,” she said.
Chris Kamins, who lives next to the proposed site, said he had concerns for the safety of residents in the event of a bushfire.
“Putting my own personal concerns aside, there are only two roads out of our estate,” he said.
“In 2009, the fire department had to block off one of the roads, so 400 households were evacuating on one road. If there is 150 extra people here, it would be a disaster.”
Mr Kamins said building the development itself posed a risk for emergency service accessibility to the national park.
“The construction would block the service road into the national park that the fire brigade uses,” he said.
“That in itself is a massive safety concern.”
Duncan Turner, manager of building and planning at the council, said residents could submit their feedback on the submission.
“Interested residents are encouraged to review the material available and to lodge any submission in writing,” he said.
“Council will consider all submissions in determining the planning applications, and will advise submitters of the process and timing for a decision in due course.”
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