BAPS Hindu Maha-Mandir

Timelines for this proposal are indicative and may change depending on the application and progression. BAPS will continue to review timelines and provide updates via this website as the process advances to ensure the community is kept up to date.

• EPBC submission lodged with the Federal Government, Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. 

• EPBC decision  

• Development of Application process

Are there benefits to the local community? 

The goal of a place of worship is to build a cultural hub where Hindus can share their traditions and religion and connect with the wider community.  

BAPS will offer:  

• a place of worship.

• educational and immersive experiences about Hinduism, promote cultural diversity and acceptance, and support the growing Indian and Hindu population in the area. ​

• creating local jobs through construction and boost local businesses by attracting visitors to the area.  

• enhance community health and well-being by providing a range of spaces, facilities, and services that support physical, mental, cultural, and spiritual well-being while promoting social connections and inclusivity.​​ 

• a cultural space that enhances and diversifies the region's cultural offerings through unique attractions, events, and activities. 

• BAPS will also continue to organise community initiatives such as tree planting, blood donation drives, Clean Up Australia Day events, charity walkathons, disaster relief, and support for vulnerable community members.

Will I be allowed to visit the place of worship?

Yes. This place of worship will be built by the community for the community, embracing the belief that all people, regardless of background, are welcome. Hinduism is a non-proselytising faith and anyone can come visit and learn about Hinduism and our culture including locals, visitors and school groups.   

What will the opening hours be?  

The proposed opening hours will be 9:00AM-8:00PM Tuesday to Sunday. Opening hours will be determined through the planning approval process.  

How many people are expected to visit? 

Final visitor numbers will be confirmed through the planning approval process. 

Will this development be approved by City of Casey (Council) or the Victorian government?

A formal planning application has not been made to the relevant authority. 

The proposal has been submitted to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) as part of a preliminary environmental referral process. This is not a formal planning application, and Council is not a decision-maker under this process.

Why is this proposal on the DCCEEW website?

It is common practice for applicants to seek preliminary advice from relevant authorities before lodging a planning application. The listing on the DCCEEW website is part of an environmental referral process under the EPBC Act. It is not a formal planning application.. 

Does Council have input at this stage?

Council is not a decision-maker in the EPBC Act referral process. Community members can provide feedback directly to DCCEEW via the EPBC Act Public Portal. 

Why is there no community engagement at this stage?

A proposal like this, which is being assessed in a complex planning and regulatory environment, needs careful design and refinement. This happens through an ongoing, step-by-step process to make sure the proposal is clear, well thought through and ready to be reviewed by technical experts and decision-makers. 

This is the first step in a longer process that will continue to evolve and will include community engagement. 

BAPS will update the community to ensure they have enough time to review the proposal and share their views. 

What are the next steps for planning approval?

Timelines for this proposal are indicative and may change. BAPS will continue to review timelines and provide updates via this website as the process advances to ensure the community is informed and has adequate time to consider and respond.    

What is the EPBC and why is this happening now?

The EPBC (Environment Protection and Biodiversity) Act is Australia’s main environmental law. The Act provides a clear and robust process to make sure projects are carefully checked before they go ahead. It helps protect important environmental values, such as threatened species, wetlands, and World Heritage sites, by requiring projects with potential environmental impacts to be reviewed by the Australian Government. Through referrals, assessments, and public input, the process ensures environmental risks are identified, impacts are reduced and informed decisions are made about whether a project should proceed. 

What environmental studies will or have you done?

Both an arborist and ecologist have been engaged to provide technical inputs regarding the master planning phase of the project to ensure native vegetation, habitat opportunities and revegetation was appropriately considered and factored into the development where practical considering the high importance of retaining and improving biodiversity values in the area. 

How will you protect and enhance the natural environment?

Ongoing engagement regarding native vegetation and biodiversity will continue to occur between local, state and federal governments and the project team to ensure the site design can positively contribute to the local flora and fauna. This may include but is not limited to biodiversity management plans, revegetation opportunities and incorporating native vegetation throughout formal and informal landscaping areas. 

Are you allowed to build in the green wedge?

In Victorian Planning law, Places of Worship are a permissible land use and development within the Green Wedge Zone, to be contemplated through a planning permit application process.

While the design of the proposal is still being considered, this proposal is being carefully developed to protect and enhance the local environment where possible including green spaces, landscape and protection of remnant bushland. This project has included extensive consultation with environmental experts, specialist consultants and relevant government bodies. These steps ensure that all environmental and planning considerations for the Green Wedge Zone are addressed responsibly.

Where is the proposed location?

The proposed site for this development will be 1390–1450 Western Port Highway, Cranbourne South. 

Why is this the proposed location?

The site has been carefully selected for its suitability to the community’s needs, its location at the urban–rural interface, and its close connection to the natural environment. The City of Casey currently accommodates one of the most diverse communities in Victoria, making it a highly appropriate location for the proposed development.

How are you working with Traditional Owners?

As part of a development application, BAPS will prepare an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plan and is working in partnership with the Bunurong Land Council to inform the design and use of key areas of the site.

How will you plan for changes in traffic flow? 

A traffic engineer has been engaged from project inception to provide technical inputs to the project, this has included but is not limited to safe access and egress to and from the site; number of carparking spaces required to support anticipated visitor numbers; onsite vehicle management; and opportunities for alternative traffic management options. 

Engagement with relevant statutory stakeholders, State and Local Government, will ensure that all relevant matters are considered and to ensure the site can function in a safe and efficient manner, and to limit off-site impacts.