Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery in Kwinana approved but no chanting or singing allowed

A controversial Buddhist monastery in the City of Kwinana will be built despite strong opposition from the community, on the condition there be no singing or chanting.

The development application for a monastery at Lot 164 Born Road in Casuarina submitted by the Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery of Perth was approved unanimously at the November 13 council meeting, but with 19 conditions.

The conditions include that the group must agree that no chanting, bell ringing or singing will occur on-site, the children’s program will occur indoors, and there will be no outdoor activities or external amplified music or voice.

Events will also be capped at smaller sizes and held indoors due to concerns flagged about noise and traffic. Signage to prevent on-street parking on Born Road will also have to be paid for by the landowner.

They will also have to pay for signage and line-marking to prevent the Mortimer Road crossover being used for vehicle entry.

Consultant planner Lorraine Elliot spoke on behalf of Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery representatives who were in the gallery and said they strongly supported the officer’s recommendations.

According to the application, which involves converting existing buildings for worship, adding new structures and creating car parks, the monastery will be used for meditation programs, children’s sessions, and Dhamma discussions.

The city received 20 submissions from locals mostly concerned about how the monastery could affect the area’s rural lifestyle.

Other concerns included increased traffic causing congestion and accidents.

“I completely disagree with this proposal. I live across the road and they will most likely be using the driveway that is directly opposite my property and will ruin our peace and quiet that we purchased our property for,” Dylan Thommesen wrote.

“Apart from that, the road has already gotten significantly worse in the past five years and this is going to make it worse.

“There is then the fact that the fire station comes in and out on Mortimer and large gatherings are going to possibly cause issues with them getting out for emergencies.”

In a letter to the city, Wez and Kylie Francis wrote that: “A Sri Lanken buddhist monastery does not align with the cultural history of the area of Kwinana and the traditional custodians of the land, the Noongar People.”

During public question time, Max Jamieson, who lives on Born Road, asked if attendees would be coming and going at the same time.

He said he had written to the council about visual issues at the Born Road and Mortimer Road intersection due to a hollow on the latter.

“You can’t see the cars coming in and out of the hollow,” he said.

Kwinana city infrastructure director Doug Elkins said there had been no reported incidents at that location in the past five years.

“We’re aware the sightline is short, but the shortness means if you don’t spot the car over the ridge and you leave late, the car does have to slow down, which is inconvenient,” he said.

“We have had Main Roads agree to a reduction in the speed limit on Mortimer Road and also some advanced warning signs to highlight the fact that the intersection is there for people coming over that ridge.”

Cr Erin Sergeant questioned the fairness of restricting outdoor use of the site during children’s programs.

She was told by city officers that Buddhist practices occurred indoors and there was no restriction on children playing outside.