Push to pump Islamic call to prayer with loudspeakers in Lakemba, Sydney sparks concern among residents
The Canterbury-Bankstown Council has recommended a proposal to install loudspeakers at Sydney's largest mosque in Lakemba be rejected, following strong community objection.
The $22,690 plan, submitted by the Lebanese Muslim Association, would see four speakers installed on Lakemba Mosque's 20m minaret to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer every Friday for up to 15 minutes.
The Local Planning Panel met on Monday night to consider the recommendations, after the proposal drew mixed reactions from the local community.
"I don't agree… look… you don't see other churches blaring out over the suburb, so why should they be given consideration in that role?" one person told Sky News.
"Look, it depends because at the end of the day, people will understand that it's not just Muslims living here," another said.
"Honestly, I think it's a good idea, but it just depends on the loudness …. It's also the same as when the church bells ring as well in the morning."
"I don't know the ins and outs of it. That'll have to be assessed via the local council," NSW Premier Chris Minns said in response to the matter.
"I'm not sure how loud it is, I'm not sure the frequency of it. My understanding was that it was reasonably limited on a Friday afternoon.
"Perhaps there's some kind of compromise that can be reached where the call to prayer can take place in a reasonably limited way, but I'm not an expert on how long the call goes for or local government rules."
The public consultation period ran from March 19 to April 8.
Of the 329 submissions received, all but one opposed the plan.
The council cited concerns around noise, breaches of the maximum building height limit, potential impacts on property values, the setting of a precedent, and religious concerns.
The minutes of the Local Planning Panel meeting will be released in the coming days.
Despite the setback, the Lebanese Muslim Association says it is reviewing the feedback and intends to submit an amended application.
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