Narre Warren North mosque opponents raise $50k for VCAT fight
Opponents to a “huge” mosque in Narre Warren North are numerous, but very few are chipping in to take their fight to the next level, with a core group of protesters urging all residents against it to dig deep.
South East
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A group protesting a planned mosque for Narre Warren North say they’re about $40,000 short of the cash they need to take their opposition to VCAT.
And Terry Ryan, who is leading the March 2 VCAT bid, wants everyone who signed the petition opposing the mosque to dig deep.
“We need at least $90,000 to $100,000 and we’re asking all of the 800 objectors to get in touch with us as we will not accept our area’s green wedge being destroyed and becoming overrun with developments,” Mr Ryan said.
The 10.7m-high mosque at 365-367 Belgrave-Hallam Rd in Narre Warren North received Casey Council approval in July last year.
The Saarban Islamic Trust mosque will have 226 car spots and a maximum capacity of 372 patrons, with larger numbers expected during twice-yearly festivals.
“We have huge problems with this application – it’s the number of people, carparking, drainage, sanitation systems, the operation hours – it’s completely inappropriate,” Mr Ryan said.
“They’ve also advertised it as a future Islamic hub – but we don’t want this in our rural neighbourhood. We’re not going to back down and urge concerned residents to contact me.”
Ian Fisher, who has lived in Narre Warren North for 17 years, said he was furious about the “destruction” of the green wedge.
“My wife and I moved to Narre Warren North to have the access and freedom to an area that wasn’t allowing huge developments to be built,” Mr Fisher said.
“This is not suburbia – we fear this is going to create more congestion and destroy the ambience of the green wedge.”
But Islamic Council of Victoria spokesman Adel Salman said a mosque was a “community hub” that would benefit all of Narre Warren North and surrounding communities.
“A mosque is a hub for prayers, meetings, social activities and youth work – it’s an open place where leaders have good relationships with their neighbours,” Mr Salman said.
“This a great opportunity for Narre Warren North residents to work with the Islamic community. Let’s actually put our hands together and make a positive difference.”
Deputy Mayor Rex Flannery said the federal government brought people from all parts of the world to live within a community where state and local governments made people feel welcome.
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“It’s the duty of the local council to make immigrants from all parts of the world feel welcome into our community,” Cr Flannery said.
“As councillors we can't prejudge any applications on race and religion – everybody has an equal right to be heard.”
Saarban Islamic Trust and Casey Council have been contacted for comment.