More trouble for Yiu Ming temple

Dolla S. Merrillees, resident of Hudson apartment block next to the temple, says: “You don’t have a liquor and IGA store sitting on top of an historic temple.”

Ms Merrillees and fellow resident Simm Steel lodged an objection to the development application, on behalf of the elderly residents, expressing their concerns, in particular the hours of operation as 6am to 12 midnight.

Immigrants from China have lived in Retreat Street Alexandria, the site of the Yiu Ming temple, since the 1870s, with the majority of the community unable to speak, write or read English. “It is very difficult for elderly people to voice their objections and they don’t have the resources to argue to Council,” says Ms Merrillees.

Not only is the historic temple important for those who visit and worship there, but it is also a symbol of Chinese settlement in Australia. According to the City of Sydney website, heritage listing is a major issue in considering opposition to development proposals – the site itself referring to the temple as “an important part of Sydney’s heritage.”

“We feel it is the equivalent of putting it on the doorstep of St Mary’s Cathedral,” says Ms Merrillees. “It should have been done more sensitively with greater consideration for its impact on a heritage listed site,” she said.

The letter of objection cites problems such as noise, air pollution and increased heavy traffic as a result of goods trucks in an already congested area. There are also references to community safety due to the link between liquor outlets and alcohol-associated crime and social problems, which are longstanding issues in the Redfern/Waterloo area.

Ms Merrillees and Mr Steel received a letter from the Lord Mayor of Sydney on January 30 which acknowledges their objection, but they are yet to receive further notification.

“I haven’t heard anything yet to tell me if it has been approved, modified or rejected,” says Ms Merrillees. “I just think that being on the door of a retirement community it is kind of insane,” she said.

Photo: Ali Blogg - Crowding out the temple

Source: South Sydney Herald March 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au