UPDATE: Tensions in Casey’s green wedge community have reached a boiling point as residents oppose a massive $250 million Hindu temple precinct proposal in Cranbourne South. This development has been referred to the Federal Government under national environmental law, raising alarms about its potential impact on local ecosystems.
Just announced, the plan by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha Australia spans approximately 44 hectares across 1390-1450 Western Port Highway. Community groups are now grappling with fears of irreversible damage to native vegetation and habitats for threatened species.
The conflict has been simmering for years, with ongoing clashes between religious organizations and green wedge advocates. In a significant turn of events in August 2025, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) rejected two temple proposals, stating they conflicted with green wedge objectives. The decisions have emboldened local residents, who argue that repeated applications for large religious structures threaten the integrity of agricultural land.
The origins of this long-standing dispute trace back to 2021, when the Melbourne Ayyappa Seva Sangam (MASS) sought approval for a $4.5 million temple in Pearcedale. Local group Peninsula Green Wedge Protection fought the proposal, citing issues like traffic, noise, and environmental degradation. Though the Mornington Peninsula Shire initially denied the application, it escalated to VCAT due to procedural delays.
In a closely related case, another temple proposal in Cranbourne South faced community backlash. In September 2024, Casey Council approved a permit for a temple and meditation center at 104 Browns Road, but residents challenged the decision, leading VCAT to overturn it two months later. The tribunal ruled that the site lacked the necessary attributes for such a development, further intensifying local unrest.
As community opposition grows, the newly formed Western Port Green Wedge Protection Group emphasizes that their fight is about land use, not religion. They warn that allowing large institutional developments could lead to urban encroachment into areas designated for agriculture and biodiversity.
Just when the situation seemed to stabilize, the proposed $250 million temple precinct has reignited fears among residents. The Federal Government is now assessing whether the project requires Commonwealth approval under national environmental law. A decision is pending, and local advocates are closely monitoring the situation.
Community members are calling for more balanced discussions around planning decisions, highlighting that the controversy reflects deeper social divisions. Critics argue that resistance to temples often intertwines environmental concerns with cultural apprehension, necessitating a broader dialogue on inclusivity and understanding.
As this situation continues to unfold, residents remain vigilant, prepared to mobilize against what they perceive as a threat to their community’s character and environmental integrity. The stakes are high, and the outcome of the Federal Government’s evaluation could significantly impact the future of Casey’s green wedge and its residents.
Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation develops.
