Oppose Construction of Divisive & Intimidating 32.5m Religious "Monument" at Kembla Grange

 

A "Place of Public Worship" located on Wyllie Road KEMBLA GRANGE has submitted a development application to Wollongong Council proposing to construct a gargantuan cross on the rolling hills overlooking the surrounding suburbs.

Claiming it will be "the tallest cross in the country", if construction of the "monument" is completed, the cross will stand at an offensive 32.5 metres (approximately 10 storey's).

This figure exceeds the maximum height allowed on site by a staggering 23.5 metres or 261%, and due to its elevated location this immense scale will only further be emphasised. An exemption has been applied for in order to be allowed to build above the already sizeable maximum building height limit of 9 metres.

 

The construction of this "monument" will directly and negatively impact the resident's of suburbs 2526 and 2506 for a number of reasons:

1. The imposing and intimidating nature of the proposed structure affecting potential future property sales
2. Downturn in local tourism as the natural shape of the escarpment is destroyed
3. Due to its proposed sheer size it will be a daunting, looming figure over homes below
4. Due to its proposed sheer size it will impede the residents view of the mountain
5. The stark, harsh contrast of a giant, steel, man-made construct will detract from the natural beauty of the mountain

This proposed development further goes against public interest as it does not accurately represent the demographic over which it will metaphorically (and potentially, literally) cast it's shadow. It will prove to be a divisive wedge in the community as it is certainly not fully "appropriate and culturally and religiously representative and respectful" of the immediate local community, nor is it "keeping with the existing character of the landscape and setting." Additionally, I believe to see this constructed would be completely disrespectful to the spiritual and cultural beliefs of the WodiWodi people, the traditional custodians of Dharawal land, sovereignty was never ceded. 

 

 

Lastly, the construction of any type of religious iconography particularly at such scale - in Australia in 2023 - is alarming, and if allowed to go ahead has the potential to set a dangerous precedent in this regard.

We need to ACT NOW!

The development application for this "monument" is on public exhibition until the 21st of June so we need to express our concern NOW before it's too late!

Please add your name to this petition to oppose this gargantuan construction.