March date for mosque plan

THE planning application for a proposed mosque in Munster will not come before Cockburn council next week as first anticipated.

Due to the high volume of submissions received from the public, the item was deferred by council officers and is likely to appear again in March for consideration by councillors.

A City statement released last week said submissions had “identified several areas of the application that require detailed consultation with the applicant before a recommendation can be finalised”.

Last November, tensions arose after comment on the proposal by the South Metropolitan Muslim Association was offered only to residents of properties directly surrounding the proposed 1.23ha site on the corner of Russell and Lorimer roads, forcing the City to re-open consultation to the wider community.

The consultation period closed on December 16. The City received 424 submissions, with 298 in support of the proposal and 126 against.

Of the 25 submissions from landowners within 300 metres of the site, 23 objected to the proposal.

Since then, conservationists and supporters of the Carnaby’s black cockatoo have inundated the City’s Facebook page with pleas to reject the application on the grounds that the site is a known nesting place for the endangered birds.

What everyone else is thinking

Vicki Boxell

15/02/2012

I am in favour of a mosque in the area however this particular site is unsuitable as it is an important feeding area for the already struggling black cockatoos. Surely there would be another more suitable area that is already cleared and will not cause further habitat loss for local fauna. The City of Cockburn has a good record of environmental restoration - conservation is another step better. Please find a more suitable site for the Islamic mosque and community centre. Set a positive example for preserving urban wildlife.

Lesley Dewar

This development is planned for a high value feeding area for black cockatoos - which will be cleared to build the mosque. Community Opposition is NOT against the mosque - but we have to oppose the clearing of a well known, high value feeding habitat of black cockatoos. It is not too late for the City of Cockburn to show outstanding leadership in environmental issues and assist in getting the mosque built elsewhere. This is a chance for this Local Government to lead the way in preserving and conserving good habitat - as an example to others - and for the health and well being of the community it serves.