Narre Warren North neighbours take legal action against Casey Council over mosque plans
Dozens of neighbours opposing a Narre Warren North mosque being touted as the “largest in the southern hemisphere” are taking their fight against the controversial approval to the state planning tribunal — but say they need financial help.
South East
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Neighbours opposed to a planned mosque in Narre Warren North have started a fundraising bid for a VCAT fight.
A shout-out for donations to help with an appeal against Casey Council’s approval in July of the mosque at 365-367 Belgrave-Hallam Rd has been made on social media.
The angry residents had vowed to battle the council at the planning tribunal and now have a March 2 date for the hearing.
The council received almost 800 objections to Saarban Islamic Trust plans.
Terry Ryan, a member of the Concerned Residents of Narre Warren North, who has lived in the area for 30 years, said many neighbours had already offered to support the appeal and all of the 800 objectors would be contacted.
A notice by the residents’ group calling for financial help has been posted to several Facebook pages saying: “Has been advertised by applicants as largest mosque in the Southern Hemisphere and Muslim population hub in future.”
“We’re continuing to raise funds for the appeal and anything else that we might need help with later on,” Mr Ryan said.
Rise Up Australia Party member and Casey councillor Rosalie Crestani said the community was firm about fighting the mosque development.
“I understand there was at least 150 people present at the previous meeting and what I’m continuing to hear is the community still take this very seriously and they’re looking to take it a very long way,” Cr Crestani said.
Ratepayers Victoria president Dean Hurlston said the group was alarmed that 800 ratepayers and residents’ objections would be ignored by council.
“We are not surprised. This pattern is common among councils who show disregard for those that fund its activities,” Mr Hurlston said.
“When councillors are not listening to the will of their electors they face peril. We understand this decision is about much more than just planning concerns.”
Chaotic scenes erupted outside the council chambers in July after councillors voted to approve two mosques, with several residents hurling insults at councillors.
A heavy police presence, including security, stood guard outside the chambers, with Mayor Amanda Stapledon confirming there were “safety concerns”.
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The 10.7m-high mosque will include 226 car spots and a maximum capacity of 372 patrons, with larger numbers expected during twice-yearly festivals.
In July Islamic Council of Victoria spokesman Adel Salman said there appeared to be an essence of “Islamophobia” within Casey.
“If you look at the response from the community in the past few years, a lot of the sentiments have bordered on Islamophobia — there is a segment of them that have been anti-Muslim,” Mr Salman said.
Casey Council Mayor Amanda Stapledon said the council’s position at the VCAT hearing in March will be to support the proposal for the reasons discussed in the report that was considered by the council at its meeting on July 16.