The person behind plans to build a public Muslim prayer facility at Louth Park has broken her silence.
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Robina Moughal, the principle applicant for the proposed prayer room on the private land at Louth Park Road, wanted to reassure the Maitland community that they had nothing to fear from the development or the people it would attract.
But she also indicated that she would challenge an unfavourable decision in the courts if necessary.
The proposal for the prayer centre, which is not a mosque, is open for public comment through Maitland City Council.
Nearby residents have expressed concern about the impact the development would have on traffic, noise and amenity in the Louth Park area.
In a written statement to the Mercury, Mrs Moughal said there were few Muslim people living in the Maitland area and she wanted to provide somewhere for them to pray so they would not have to travel to Newcastle.
While the report on public exhibition noted that the prayer facility would be open between 5am and 7pm every day and could cater for as many as 20 people at each prayer session, she said she only expected about 10 worshippers to gather for prayer each week – on Fridays.
Mrs Moughal said this would not have a significant impact on the noise or traffic in Louth Park.
“We Muslims do not have any area of worship in Maitland and being Australian citizens we reserve our right to have a place to practise our religion,” she said.
“We are a very peaceful people and we assure Maitland people this place will be used for prayer purposes and getting the younger generation to be part of Australian society and lead a peaceful life in this country.
“We love Australia. This is our homeland and it is our duty to educate our young children in a prayer centre to walk away from the terrorist groups.”
The proposal is for a small building on a two hectare block of private land that would have a simple design and not include minarets or other distinguishable features.
Maitland council will make a decision on whether to allow the building, which is permissible by the zoning of the land in Louth Park, at a later date.
Mrs Moughal said she would pursue the matter in the Land and Environment Court if there was an unfavourable outcome.
“There is a Bretheran Church approximately 300 metres away from the proposed prayer room,” she said.
“I am surprised to see there is no objection to the location of this church.”
