'Busybody' group's challenge to Gungahlin mosque thrown out of ACT Supreme Court

Proposed Gungahlin Mosque A group fighting to prevent a mosque being built in Canberra’s north have had their challenge thrown out by the ACT Supreme Court, with the judge labelling the group a “busybody”. It is the second challenge the controversial group has lost after the court dismissed the initial challenge in July last year.


The Concerned Citizens of Canberra first launched legal action in 2012, claiming there was inadequate community consultation, traffic and parking issues, and breaches of building codes.

Flyers issued by the group to many homes in the Gungahlin area raised concerns about traffic and noise and whether the mosque would be a good neighbour to the community.

But the Concerned Citizens of Canberra took their appeal to the Supreme Court after the ACT Government declared support for the mosque and referred the flyer to ACT Human Rights Commission.

Today, in a 40-page judgement, Justice Richard Refshauge found the group’s arguments to be lacking, and said the group had no greater interest than that of an “intermeddler or busybody”.

Three members of the Concerned Citizens of Canberra were in court as Justice Refshauge handed down his statement.

The only legal avenue remaining for the group is an appeal to the High Court.

The 500-person capacity mosque will be the second mosque in the ACT.

The ACT’s first mosque is located at Yarralumla, in the city’s south.


Artist’s impression of the proposed mosque in Gungahlin, ACT

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