Support the Petition by completing the two-step process. This is a requirement set by the Whittlesea Council to validate public/online submissions.

Without completing the two-step process, your petition won't be counted by Whittlesea Council.

Step 1: Fill your contact details on this form - https://form.jotform.com/251602142079854

Step 2: Sign the Petition on Change.Org

Your contact details will only be used for this petition and will not be shared with anyone else or used for any other purpose.

Thank you for standing with us in support of this important community initiative.

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To: City of Whittlesea Council or Whom it may Concern

We, the undersigned residents, supporters and members of the local community, living in the City of Whittlesea, respectfully submit this petition in strong support of Planning Application (PLN-43641) for the establishment of the Shiv Shakti Centre (a not-for-profit and charitable organisation), proposed at 330 Grants Road, Woodstock.

This proposal is not merely a place of worship, it is thoughtfully designed community space for unity, learning, healing, and wellbeing of future generations.

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Why This Community Hub Matters

1.      A Space for Mental, Physical & Spiritual Wellbeing
The proposed Centre offers yoga, meditation, and wellness-based activities that directly support community health. In a post-COVID world, local residents are seeking accessible, non-commercial spaces to promote mental and physical well-being. This Centre addresses this vital need.

2.      An Inclusive Community Hub for All Ages and Backgrounds
Whittlesea is proudly multicultural. The proposed development will not be exclusive but inclusive—a space open to all residents for cultural celebrations, educational activities, interfaith dialogue, and community engagement.

3.      Environmentally Sustainable and Educational Practices
The Centre will dedicate over two-thirds of its land to organic farming, promoting sustainability, native biodiversity, and providing hands-on learning opportunities and workshops about conservation and eco-friendly farming available to community and younger generation.

4.      Support for the Needy through Free-Meal Services

The development includes free-meal service (langar), offering nutritious vegetarian meals to those in need, thereby addressing food security issues and promoting a spirit of generosity and caring within the local community. The produce from the organic farming will be available for free-of-charge for the volunteers and the vulnerable.

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Respecting the Green Wedge and Rural Character

We understand and value the character of the Woodstock–Eden Park area. This application has been designed with deep respect for the Green Wedge Zone (GWZ). Key points include:

1.      No new buildings are proposed—only internal modifications to the existing 3-bedroom home;

2.      No exterior changes and landscape remain largely untouched, preserving the existing character of the land.

3.      Over two-thirds of the land is allocated to organic farming, fostering biodiversity, and plantation of new trees along boundary enhancing the green wedge commitment. Kindly note that the proposed plan is offering 100% improvement on the current use of the land.

4.      Preserving the natural buffers and native vegetation, around the centre acts perfectly as natural damper to noise and visual impact.

5.      All worshipping activities are modestly scaled, with limited hours and limited numbers and prebooking system to manage the centre efficiently.

6.      No commercial or high impact use - the Centre’s design ensures minimal impact—no commercial retail, no amplified music, and operating hours and event sizes are intentionally moderate to respect the surrounding landscape;

7.      The Centre will operate as a not-for-profit charitable initiative with a focus on community wellbeing. All produce coming from the organic farming initiative, will be used for free-meal programs and to be distributed in the local community for free-of-charge.

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Addressing the Objections Respectfully

Some community members have expressed concerns regarding traffic, noise, or commercialisation, and compatibility with the GWZ. We acknowledge and respect these concerns, and wish to clarify:

·        Traffic assessments confirm minimal impact, with operating hours falling outside peak times & staggered visits and managing only 65% of the current peak hour volume.

·        This is not-for-profit, community welfare project and will be run by local community for the local community and will not be operated commercially;

·        The low intensity activities, managed traffic, will not disturb the local wildlife. In addition to this centre wildlife management plan will be implemented.

·        Environmental protection and rural character preservation are core commitments of the project.

·        No large structure are proposed therefore no disturbance to local scenery.

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Our Shared Vision

This application is not just about a place of worship—it is about building a community asset that:

·        Enriches the spiritual, cultural, and emotional wellbeing of local residents;

·        Celebrates diversity, unity, and sustainability;

·        Adds meaningful value to Whittlesea’s inclusive identity as a multicultural municipality.

We believe the Shiv Shakti Centre reflects the spirit of respectful coexistence, consistent with Whittlesea’s planning vision and community values.

This project will serve as a role model for future development by demonstrating how to respect the Green Wedge, preserve local character, and promote spiritual values.

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Our Request

We humbly request the City of Whittlesea Council to support and grant approval to Planning Application PLN-43641, in recognition of its:

·        Community-wide benefits and inclusivity;

·        Commitment to environmental sustainability and rural integrity;

·        Careful and minimal-impact design;

·        Service to local residents in need of spiritual and cultural connection.

Let us together create a space that nurtures the soul, respects the land, and unites the community.