Reject the proposed mosque (community centre) at 15-18 Enterprise Ave Padstow

Bankstown City Council

66-72 Rickard Rd

Bankstown, NSW 2200

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to ask you to reject the proposed mosque or community centre at 15-18 Enterprise Ave Padstow.

United Muslims of Australia (UMA) has revealed their plan of building a mosque in Padstow. Local residents have raised a great deal of concern as its location and size is inadequate for a small suburb with a total population of approx15, 000. The proposed development will have an adverse impact on the amenity of adjoining residents and adjacent locality. Its approval would lead to very poor planning outcome for the residents of Padstow and its surrounding areas.

A petition with the below reasons listed was launched on 02 November 2014.

528 signatures were received within 72 hours after its launch. As of 17 Nov 2014, over 1000 petitioners have signed and said no to this plan.

A copy of the signatures and comments is enclosed for your reference.

This petition is also accessible online via the following link.

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/517/694/831/reject-the-proposed-mosque-community-centre-at-15-18-enterprise-ave-padstow/

1. First and foremost, please be advised this rejection has nothing to do with the race, ethnic origin, religion or the context of the structure. We respect all religions and other people.


2. Size

The size of this development is very concerning.

Padstow has a total population of approx. 15, 000 and it is a fairly small town.

This development will potentially become a Regional Islamic Centre and Padstow is not capable of handling such a large infrastructure.

3. Traffic

Enterprise Ave is a no through road with 1 lane in each direction.

Without ample parking space, it will be very difficult to get to the businesses and factories there which generate financial income and employment opportunities for the area.

4. Location

This location is right next to the Padstow North Public School and family homes.

The prayer time suggests there will be activities every day during most of the time day and night.

Apart from traffic, it will cause severe noise and pollution issues.

It will also interrupt schools and local residents’ daily life.

5. Needs

There are approx. 500 Muslim in Padstow that is less than 5% of its total population.

There are over 28 places within 15KM from Padstow for Muslim worshippers.

The Muslim population is small and there are a number of existing facilities nearby. There is no need to have another mosque to be built in such short distance from all the other ones.

An influx of 5, 000 people constantly travelling to Padstow will negatively affect the local businesses and cause massive impacts to the local community as a whole.

6. Environment

This development is not in line with council’s intention to help preserve the village atmosphere in Padstow.

A capacity of 5, 000 could attract rapid growth in population.

The South East Local Area Plan, which was recently issued and is now open for comments, clearly indicates council’s stance to maintain the village atmosphere while driving environmental sustainability.

7. Local residents’ opinions

Many local residents believe this development will cause constant congestion of our streets and it is not going to enhance the area or bring extra employment or opportunities for the vast majority who live here.

Your petitioners, therefore, urge the Bankstown City Council to oppose the proposed development, inform UMA to find a more suitable place, and tighten controls over development of public worships in the industry area.

Thank you very much for your time in reviewing this matter in advance!

Yours sincerely,

Padstow residents