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Century of service Volunteer stalwarts Margaret Sansom, Diana Heath and Jeanette Pike have brought up a total of 100 years’ service for Meals on Wheels in Casey. The trio - who are also members of the charity Inner Wheel - profess to the joys of volunteering. More on the story, turn to page 2 (Stewart Chambers: 553155)
Faith in the wedge A proposed $3.5 million church in Cranbourne South has sparked renewed debate over religious developments in Casey’s green wedge, with community groups raising concerns about traffic, biodiversity and urbanisation of the semi-rural area. ANC Planning Consultants, representing Dandenong-based Bethel New Life Christian Fellowship, has lodged an application with Casey Council for a 3515-square-metre place of worship
at 600 Cranbourne-Frankston Road. The proposal includes a two-storey building with a gallery level, accommodating up to 300 patrons on Sundays and up to 400 attendees during six annual special events. Under Casey’s planning scheme, places of worship are a discretionary use in the Green Wedge Zone and can be considered through a planning permit process.
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The application argues the site is suitable because it is not productive agricultural land and is close to residential areas and the Urban Growth Zone. But community groups have strongly opposed the plan, arguing the development represents an urban-style use in the Green Wedge and could worsen traffic pressures and environmental impacts. Over the past few years, Casey’s southern green wedge has become a battleground over
places of worship, with residents facing a series of planning applications for temples, churches and associated religious events. Community groups have repeatedly banded together to challenge proposals through council and VCAT processes, with the tribunal overturning or rejecting two temple applications in the green wedge last year. Full story page 3
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