PANPA 2014 NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP
weekender the western FRI 14 NOV 2014 • Issue 1179
Printed on 100% recycled paper
We will remember
PROUDLY INDEPENDENT PROU
#1 For Sport # M More local sports coverage than a n other Penrith paper p.34-40 any
Penrith divided Prayer hall to go ahead as tensions flare at Monday’s Council meeting CASSANDRA O’CONNOR
Penrith pauses to reflect p.13
Major roads promise p.10
A battle for real justice Katrina speaks up for others p.18
@cassandra_o
D
espite a hostile public gallery on Monday evening, Penrith Councillors remained unwavering in their support for a prayer hall in Kemps Creek, defeating a rescission motion to send the development application back to public exhibition. Hundreds of Penrith residents packed into Council’s Chambers carrying anti-mosque placards to express their discontent that at the last Council meeting, approval had been given to the prayer hall, which will be located on Mamre Road in Kemps Creek. There was heightened security and police presence in the chamber itself to ensure the debate at the Extraordinary Meeting went smoothly. Local resident Anne Brady addressed Council and said that the hall would create traffic problems on Mamre Road. “There are only two main roads in and out of Kemps Creek, being Mamre Road and Elizabeth Drive. Combined with Erskine Business Park, there will be too much traffic congestion,” she said. Fellow resident Ian Sutton also spoke against the prayer hall. “I want Penrith to stay as it is for my children and my grandchildren. I don’t want it turned into an Auburn,” he said. The third and final speaker against the prayer hall was Rick Putra. “It will have a devastating impact on residents and the environment,” he said. Story continues on » p. 8
Residents gather to express their concern over a prayer hall at Kemps Creek. Photo: Melinda Jane
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