By CAMERON LUCADOU-WELLS
CATCH The Fire Ministries has moved out rather than pursuing its legal challenge against a proposed neighbouring mosque in Green Street Doveton.
The evangelical Christian church will drop plans to build a $2.3 million church but instead base its new headquarters in an existing church and offices in Star Crescent Hallam from November.
Pastor Danny Nalliah said finding the new site was a “great miracle”, saving the church about $1.1million and a two-year further wait to complete building works in Green Street. The church hopes to subdivide then build and sell three factories or warehouses on the Doveton site.
Mr Nalliah said he’d instructed his lawyers to drop the church’s appeal against Casey Council’s approval of the proposed Afghan Islamic Centre and Omar Farooq Mosque.
“It’s the best outcome for all parties,” Mr Nalliah said.
“I didn’t want to be placed next to a mosque because of my former experiences with the community.
“It feels more relaxed. If you think of the court case, constructing the church and a $1.5 million mortgage – that’s going to be a strain for anybody.
“It lets me focus on the political party (Rise Up Australia).”
He said there had been “a lot of goodwill” between the mosque’s proponents and himself as he broke the news of Catch The Fire’s withdrawal “over a cup of coffee”.
“I think we now have a better opportunity to have good relations than if we were next door.”
Mosque secretary Elyas Naimzada said his community had planned to have a good relationship with the church “from day one”. The six-month delay and legal expenses caused by Catch the Fire’s appeal cost the group about $20,000.
“We were planning to set an example that two different faiths can co-exist,” Mr Naimzada said.
“The community was not happy for our project to be delayed and especially disrespectful comments made by Mr Nalliah in the media.
“But despite all ups and downs currently the community is happy the legal battle is over and we are moving on with the project.”
Mr Naimzada said there was “no hard feelings” towards objecting neighbours – among 2000 petitioners who opposed the 11.5-metre high mosque.
There are plans to invite them to an open day, a tour of the mosque and a “chat over a barbecue”.
“We have an open door policy. We assure them there will not be noise and traffic issues.”
A neighbour who was among the objectors was disappointed that the legal fight was over.
The woman blamed “Australians’ apathy” for objector numbers dropping to a handful since the council’s approval of the mosque.
“They don’t want such an enormous mosque behind their fence. Now it’s going to go ahead.”
