Sydney protesters to continue their fight against Muslim school construction

Sydney, May 17 (ANI): Despite a court order approving construction of a Muslim school being built in Sydney's south-west area, the protesters have decided to fight against the plan.

Bankstown Council lost its second appeal to stop the school from going ahead in the Land and Environment Court last week.

The 1200-student Islamic school to be built at Johnston Road, next to Bass Hill High School.

Bass Hill Resident Action Group spokesman Vern Falconer said: "We're not going to walk away from this, we made a pledge to the community. There will be due diligence done on traffic and the impact on residents. We'll also be talking to the State Government."

The group has vowed to take their fight before Bankstown MP Tony Stewart, Education Minister Verity Firth and Planning Minister Kristina Keneally, The Daily Telegraph reports.

The group is also going to offer assistance to other community groups opposed to plans for Muslim schools in Liverpool and Camden.

"We'd give advice for what is was worth. I'd advise them that public interest doesn't seem to be something the Land and Environment Court pays much attention to," he said.

The proposed new school will be a kindergarten to Year 12 campus of Al Amanah College.

Principal Mohamad El Dana opined that the community fears about the school would be allayed once it opened next year.

"We understand some people have concerns and we assure them that we want to address their concerns. We have a need for this school because we have a long waiting list at Bankstown and we can't serve all of the community's needs," he said.

Residents of Johnston Road are considering selling their properties now because of concerns about traffic congestion and noise. (ANI)