A LOCAL environmental pressure group is opposing a development application for a Hare Krishna temple overlooking Rocks Riverside Park at Seventeen Miles Rocks.

Brisbane City Council is considering an application to build “a permanent head temple and cultural centre for the Brisbane division of the Hare Krishna” on Jennifer St.

In documents lodged with the council, the development proposes a temple, ashrams, a common room, administration rooms, food court and restaurant on the 9753 sqm site on the ridge above popular Rocks Riverside Park. Centenary & Districts Environment Action president Shealagh Walker said the group would push for the site to be kept as bushland and were drafting a submission against the development.

“It’s completely inappropriate. It does not seem in character to have a big building overlooking a park and the area is short of bushland,” Ms Walker said.

“We need to keep the habitat for wildlife.”

CDEA former president Noel Wilson said he was particularly concerned about the development’s proposal for 12.5 m high towers.

Simon Forsyth, general manager for Conics, the development’s town planners, said a substantial number of trees on the site would be maintained and the Hare Krishnas of Brisbane had been important players in the park’s development.

“They (Hare Krishna Temple) were involved in the establishment of the land for Rocks Riverside Park,” Mr Forsyth said.

Mr Forsyth said the site had been originally approved for a temple in March 2000.