Proposed Hindu temple opposed by Baldivis locals

Residents are calling for a new proposed Hindu temple in Baldivis to be ditched, claiming the “sheer volume of people and the noise” will ruin their rural lifestyle.

The proposed $5 million development would be built on 67 Folly Road in Baldivis and would include a one-storey temple, multi-purpose hall, library, dining hall, and guest accommodation as well as a pair of two-storey caretaker dwellings.

The locals, who wish to remain anonymous, expressed their worries about the proposal and urged other residents to provide their thoughts to the City of Rockingham before submissions close.

“It’s absurd to think a Hindu temple is going to blend in with a rural setting,” one woman said.

“It would be much better suited to an industrial area so the sheer volume of people and the noise and interruption that comes with that, doesn’t impact those around them.”

The noise created during weddings and festivals was cited as a reason another local man was against the temple being built.

“We see it as an invasion on our rural lifestyle which we have enjoyed for over 25 years,” he said.

Another local said they purchased their property many years ago and the proposed temple would “ruin so many people’s lifestyles”.

“We have enjoyed this property with our children and now also our grandchildren. All the clean open space, great for family picnics and our whole family have motorbike days out there. I am shattered that all these buildings will be erected, one being six storeys high in places,” she said.

“How can someone just think they can come in with this size development and ruin so many people’s lifestyles? This is my lifestyle being ruined, there goes my rural view.”

If the proposal is accepted, it will be the only Hindu temple in Baldivis, with the next closest place of worship located 16km away in Mandogalup.

The report explains that the environment is an important part of the Hindu faith and was one of the reasons behind the Baldivis location being chosen for the temple.

“A connection to the natural environment as well as providing the community with a strong ecological connection to the land within which the temple suits is an essential aspect of the Hindu faith and worship,” the report said.

City of Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin confirmed the roof of the tallest building would only be two storeys high and the top of the tallest spire in the proposal was 14.7m high.

“The application for Development Approval is currently undergoing a detailed planning assessment by the City,” Ms Hamblin said.

“Community members who would like to have their say are encouraged to visit the Share Your Thoughts Page on the City’s website and formally provide their comments to the City before the close of submissions on February 4.”

The Hindu Council of Australia and the Indian Society of WA were contacted for comment.