Terra Ag’s development application to build a rural supplies business next to the temple drew fierce opposition from neighbours and the Sikh community. The controversy led to a packed room at Griffith Regional Theatre when the panel met to hear arguments on June 27.

The panel, comprised of Gordon Kirkby, Ruth Fagan and Mark Grayson, was appointed by Griffith City Council to avoid a potential conflict of interest.

However, the panel was advisory only, meaning the final decision would still lay with council.

A staff report, to be presented to council on Tuesday, July 26, also recommends approving the development pursuant to a number of conditions set out by the panel.

The argument about the development centred on its location, with opponents claiming the land was not zoned for a “bulk fertiliser storage facility” and that it should not be built next to a place of worship.

Proponents argued the business was allowed within the ‘B6 industrial zone’ under Griffith’s Local Environment Plan (LEP) because it was a rural supplies business, pointing to a similar situation in Shepparton.

Griffith City Council moved to appoint the external panel on March 15 after it received a letter from Terra Ag offering $10,000 towards an engineering assessment of a bridge while staff were assessing the development application (DA).

Hardip Chahal from the Gurdwara Singh Sabha Society told the panel the temple was their most sacred place.

“The Sikh community is the second-largest community in Griffith,” Mr Chahal said. 

“The temple is the centrepiece of our community. The entire Indian community of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area is opposed to this development next to the temple.”

The panel asked Terra Ag if any other locations were considered and Martin Ruggeri, speaking on behalf of Terra Ag, said other sites were considered but were either impractical or unavailable.

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