Illustrative photo for: Loudspeakers minaret prayer volume controversy: Sydney

Published 2026-06-13

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Summary: The Lakemba Mosque in Sydney is seeking again to install four loudspeakers on its 20-meter minaret to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer. The latest development comes after a prior application was rejected amid significant public backlash; details on the current status of the new proposal are not confirmed in the available information.

What We Know

  • The Lakemba Mosque in Sydney’s south-west submitted plans to install four loudspeakers on top of its minaret, approximately 20 meters above street level.
  • The speakers would broadcast the Islamic call to prayer across surrounding residential suburbs, according to the proposal.
  • The proposed installation had a reported cost of around 22,000 to 23,000 (currency not specified in the available details).
  • The prior application related to this plan was rejected after a high level of public submissions, with reports noting strong community backlash and threats in some coverage.
  • Media coverage in listed sources indicates renewed interest or fresh bid for the loudspeakers, suggesting the mosque has revisited the proposal with Canterbury-Bankstown Council.

What’s Still Unclear

  • The current status of the new or amended proposal (whether it has been approved, rejected, or withdrawn) is not clearly confirmed in the available information.
  • Details on the number of speakers beyond “four” and exact technical specifications are not consistently specified across sources.

Context

At issue is the balance between religious practice and community planning in a residential area, with local councils weighing planning permits and the potential impact of amplified calls to prayer on nearby residents. Controversies around public submissions and community reactions have previously influenced decisions on similar proposals.

Why It Matters

Plans to broadcast religious calls to prayer via loudspeakers on a prominent city landmark touch on local governance, freedom of religious expression, noise considerations, and neighborhood amenity. The outcome could influence future applications of a similar nature in Sydney or other Australian communities.

What to Watch Next

  • Whether Canterbury-Bankstown Council issues a decision on the fresh proposal or requests further information.
  • Any updated public feedback or community response following renewed bids.
  • Any official statements from the mosque or local authorities clarifying permissions, conditions, or objections.

FAQ

Q: What is the proposed height for the loudspeakers?

A: The speakers would be mounted on top of the minaret at approximately 20 meters above street level, according to the available details.

Q: Has the proposal been approved?

A: It is not confirmed in the available information whether the latest proposal has been approved, rejected, or withdrawn.

Related coverage

Source Transparency

  • This article is based on a short preliminary brief and may not reflect the full details available in ongoing reporting.
  • Source links are provided in the Sources section where available.
  • A limited open-web check was used to clarify key details when possible; unclear items remain clearly marked.

Original brief: The Lakemba Mosque in Sydney, Australia, is once again pushing to install four large loudspeakers on its 20-meter minaret to broadcast the Islamic call to prayer across surrounding residential suburbs.

A previous application was rejected after 328 out of 329 public submissions…

Sources


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