The Australian International Islamic College (AIIC) at Durack, 15km southwest of the CBD, wants to expand the college to include an aged care facility plus a mosque, childcare centre, medical centre, retail and apartments up to five storeys high.

The site is currently zoned for community facilities for educational purposes.

A petition against the development has gathered about 120 signatures, with noise and traffic concerns, parking and the “exclusive” nature of the site among the objections.

Councillor Steve Griffiths has also lodged an objection on planning grounds, saying he only supports the plans for the mosque and childcare centre because they fit in with the site’s educational zoning.

A Needs Assessment study commissioned by the school stated that aged care and medical services were needed as the area grew and that other retail and commercial ethnic hubs had been established throughout Australia.

Just as long as it doesn’t leave elderly residents isolated from the rest of the community.