For two decades, the Rainbow Temple in Rosebank has stood as a striking reflection of the region’s proudly beating spiritual heart.
But the much-loved temple, and the glow worm tunnel that runs beneath it, are now, seemingly, on a collision course with Lismore Council, which could see them demolished or dramatically reduced in size.
The temple was built without a development application and is not compliant with Council’s building rules.
Lismore Council says that rather than demanding demolition, it is simply ‘investigating’ whether the building and the 65-metre tunnel beneath it are structurally sound.
But fears are growing that Council will force the man who initiated the building of the temple, Guy Feldmann, to tear it down.
In response, the local community has launched a campaign to protect the site, including a petition (with 5,000-signatures so far), calling on the Council to allow the building and tunnel to remain as they are.
Calls for cooperation
The petition demands that Council stops the demolition and ‘cooperates with the Temple team giving them time for fundraising, applying for appropriate development approvals and remediation action to take place’.
They have also announced that they will apply for State and federal heritage listing in a bid to ensure the landmark is protected and preserved in perpetuity.
A GoFundMe page has also been launched to support the campaign financially.
‘The Rainbow Temple was built to represent the journey of life on Earth and to the great awakening of consciousness that will allow peace and harmony for mankind with each other and all the aspects of nature,’ the petition states.
‘It deserves to remain as an inspirational icon to all those that have had the good fortune to experience the wonderful, balanced energy that it provides, a true reflection of the natural and harmonious energy that the Rainbow Region is recognised for.’
Mr Feldmann said that he believed the temple would survive to welcome in the next generation and many more to come.
‘The Rainbow Temple is meant to be a meeting place belonging to no religion, but devoted to the truth of life on Earth, the complete journey, past, present and future,’ he said.
‘I foresee a major community reaction if Council tries to tear it down.
Narrow laws
‘Council says it’s unsafe, but it’s been there for 20 years. We have to change these laws. The laws are too binding and totally narrow.
‘I didn’t want to go public with this – I always prefer a diplomatic approach. But they’ve got their heads set to demolish and are not willing to change their view.’
A spokesperson for the Council said the Temple’s vertical extensions were currently being investigated by Council, and ‘no decision had been made with regard to the longevity of the additional floors’.
‘Council, as a matter of priority, has initially requested the owner provide a Certificate of Structural Adequacy, to ensure the building is structurally sound and not an endangerment to the owners, any occupants or visitors,’ the spokesperson said.
‘The matter is on-going.’
To sign the petition, go to getup.org.au and search for Rainbow Temple.
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