The City of Mandurah is seeking public comment on a proposal to construct a place of worship on lots 2 & 3, 330-340 Lakes Road, in Greenfields. The applicant is not listed, but a transport impact assessment indicates the proposal was prepared for the Free Reformed Church of Comet Bay. The plan includes a 1200sqm church building with a main auditorium seating about 370 people, an entry foyer with 69 overflow seats, meeting rooms, a creche, kitchen, and ablution facilities. Regular one-hour Sunday services are planned between 9.30am and 3.30pm, along with small group meetings and occasional special services such as weddings and funerals. About 250 people are expected to use the facility in its opening year, with full capacity reached only during events occurring five to 10 times annually.
Tree Removal Sparks Outrage
Most native trees on the site are expected to be retained, but 25 trees on-site and five street trees are slated for removal, drawing sharp criticism from residents on social media. One comment highlighted that the trees serve as a feed zone for red-tailed cockatoos. Another resident stated, “We can always find another church, we will never be able to replace the habitat and natural bush land these native animals and birds require.” Others questioned the size and location of the proposal, with one commenter posting: “A so-called community organisation coming into an area of very high environmental value, seeking to tear down numerous trees and native wildlife habitat, for a development which could be built anywhere.”
Site Details and Traffic Assessment
The site currently contains an existing single house and outbuildings, described as “degraded” and likely to be demolished. There are homes to the north and west, and a Kingdom City church to the south. The proposal includes about 95 carparking bays, including four ACROD bays, and modifications to Lakes Road, such as two turning lanes. The traffic assessment noted limited public transport usage but concluded the proposal was unlikely to affect road safety as it would mainly operate on Sundays. An acoustic assessment indicated compliance with noise regulations.
Church Background and Submission Deadline
The Free Reformed Church of Comet Bay was established on July 2, 2023, focusing on gospel-centered preaching and worship. Most members live in the Mandurah and Comet Bay region, and services are currently held at Foundation Christian College in Greenfields. The deadline for public submissions on the proposal has been extended twice, with the latest deadline set for July 17. Councillor Daniel Wilkins requested the extension at the city’s June 23 council meeting, citing a “significant” level of interest and claiming residents had only recently become aware of the proposal.
