THE controversial Hindu Temple at McGraths Hill has been approved by Hawkesbury Council.
The temple will be built near the corner of Pitt Town Road and Windsor Road.
The motion to approve the DA was passed on the casting vote of the Mayor Mary Lyons-Buckett.
The deputy Mayor Barry Calvert, along with councillors Amanda Kotlash, Patrick Conolly, Tiffany Tree and Sarah Richards also voted in favour of the motion.
After the vote, a number of members in the gallery left in disgust, with one stopping to shout that the councillors were “morons”.
Several witnesses informed the Gazette the shouting continued in the foyer, with one woman shouting “you’re not welcome in McGraths Hill” to an Indian family.
A number of objections were raised to the development, mostly about parking and access to the site of the Sri Siva Jyothi Temple, however, heritage of the site and amenity was also raised.
Kim Maguire, the publican of the Australian Hotel, which is adjacent to the temple site, said she had a number of concerns about how cars would access the site and where they would park during some of the larger events.
Maguire also contacted the Gazette after the DA had been refused.
She said the racist abuse hurled by a select few, which she witnessed, had undermined the completely legitimate objections to the DA that she and others held.
Peter Nicholson also raised traffic objections, and called the development “bizarre”, and said it did not comply with planning regulations.
A neighbour, David Hinton, said there were a number of problems with the DA, mostly around traffic.
Muthu Ramatchandarin, a representative of the applicant, said the temple would boost the local economy.
He also said members of the public would be welcomed with open arms.
He added there were plans to have “cultural integration sessions”, where people could learn about Hinduism.
He also said the larger events, which some objected to, would be a religious, not festive nature, and therefore would not create a lot of noise.
Liberal councillor Patrick Conolly said the temple would be a welcome addition to the area, while fellow Liberal Nathan Zamprogno said it would be a lovely development but was in the wrong area.
Independent councillor Peter Reynolds said there was a lot of heritage in the area, which could be lost if the development went ahead.
Liberal councillor Sarah Richards said the community should be inclusive and should respect diversity.
Greens councillor Danielle Wheeler said much the same as Cr Zamprogno, that is was a good development in the wrong spot.
Liberal councillor Tiffany Tree said it was a fantastic project and she was happy to support it.
