Lakemba Mosque launches fresh bid a year after controversial proposal was rejected

By KYLIE STEVENS, SENIOR BREAKING NEWS REPORTER, AUSTRALIA Published: 05:09, 2 June 2026 | Updated: 05:13, 2 June 2026 Australia's biggest mosque has reignited debate over fresh plans to install loudspeakers to broadcast prayer sessions. Lakemba Mosque in Sydney's south-west last month lodged an amended development application with Canterbury-Bankstown Council to mount four speakers on top of the existing minaret tower, 20m above street level. The local planning panel knocked back the initial application last August, citing concerns about noise, development exceeding maximum building height, potential impact on property values, and religious concerns.  Among the proposals was broadcasting the Adhan (call to prayer) once a week on Fridays for up to 15 minutes before lunchtime prayers. After reviewing feedback, the Lebanese Muslim Association reduced the proposed broadcast period in the amended application.  'The use of the loudspeakers will be limited to playing the Adhan for five minutes on Friday before midday Jummah prayers, with no other proposed use of the loudspeakers,' the statement of environmental effects states. 'The proposal will have no impact on adjoining properties or the locality.' The development application is on public exhibition and has already sparked backlash from concerned locals. Lakemba Mosque has lodged amended plans to mount four loudspeakers to broadcast its weekly prayer sessions 'While I respect freedom of religion and the importance of places of worship within the community, amplified external broadcasts are not conducive to the surrounding residential and mixed-use environment,' one wrote online. 'The area is diverse and shared by people of many different backgrounds, faiths and beliefs, and council planning decisions should remain balanced and neutral rather than appearing to favour one religion over others through amplified public sound.' Another added: 'Having prayers played loudly over the neighbourhood will reduce the value of this area, which has a lot of potential due to the new Metro.' 'This area, while being home to many Muslims, is also home to businesses, schools, and many families who live here. We all have a right to peace and quiet.' However, the plans do have some support. 'Many churches across Australia already use bells or external sound for prayer and services, and this has peacefully existed for many years as part of community life,' one supporter commented. 'The call to prayer is calm, short, respectful, and intended for the local worshippers nearby. With proper council conditions on volume and timing, it can easily operate without disturbing residents.' Locals have until June 9 to view and make a submission.  Thousands of worshippers attend the mosque for weekly prayers on Friday Daily Mail has contacted the Lebanese Muslim Association for comment about the latest plans. Several thousand worshippers attend the mosque for weekly prayers, which attract tens of thousands more at major religious events such as Ramadan. Of the 329 submissions lodged during the previous public consultation period, all but one objected to the proposed changes. 'Council was unable to support the proposal due to inconsistencies in the acoustic report and the non-compliance with council controls, which would culminate in significant noise impacts to the amenity of the local area,' a council report stated at the time. 'Approval of this development would create long-lasting amenity and acoustic impacts for the adjacent sites, neighbouring dwellings, and the broader community.' The Lebanese Muslim Association previously defended the plans. 'No one objects to the ringing of the bells of St Mary’s Cathedral in the CBD or the Maronite Church in Punchbowl, yet somehow the call to prayer is perceived as a threat,' secretary George Kheir said. 'We’ve been sympathetic to the surrounding area, and the speakers will only be operating for the midday prayers on Friday. 'It’s not as though we’re a nightclub, keeping people awake at night – it’s very limited in nature.' The comments below have not been moderated. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. By posting your comment you agree to our house rules. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? Your comment will be posted to MailOnline as usual. Do you want to automatically post your MailOnline comments to your Facebook Timeline? 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