‘Low-key’ temple work to begin early next year

The Abbot brought world-renowned architect and Professor at RMIT Boston University, Yung Ho Chang to view the site and discuss plans for the temple with Shoalhaven Mayor Joanna Gash and senior staff.

Cr Gash said the visit provided the perfect opportunity to learn more about the latest plans for the only Shaolin Temple complex to be built in Australia.

She said the Abbot used his time in the Shoalhaven to confirm his commitment for the use of local materials and tradespeople during construction.

The Abbot also confirmed that the temple complex would be constructed in a staged process with the meditation centre, spiritual and wellbeing complex and Kung Fu centre making up the first stage.

“Today’s visit by Abbot Shi Yongxin provided a fantastic opportunity to get an update on the Shaolin Temple Complex project and to allow the Abbot to reacquaint himself with the Comberton Grange site,” Cr Gash said.

“Of particular note was the Abbot’s insistence that local tradespeople, skills and materials would be used throughout the development.

“This included the use of a local architect who will be used to assist the world renowned Professor Chang in developing the plans for stage one of the project.

“The commitment to using local tradespeople and materials is obviously fantastic news for the local area and will assist in providing a massive shot in the arm for the local economy.

“The Abbot said stage one of the project would represent a low key start to the development and again stated that he wanted the complex to have a very strong focus on spirituality and the mind.”

Cr Gash said she was pleased to learn that the Abbot was committed to delivering a sustainable and environmentally friendly development.

“The Abbot said one of his major focuses for the first stage of the development would be ensuring that the complex produced only a very small carbon footprint.”