Kalgoorlie-Boulder will have police on stand-by on Monday night when anti-mosque campaigners are expected to protest while Council debates a controversial proposal.
The Facebook page “Stop the mosque in Kalgoorlie Boulder” has created an event – “voice your objections to the proposed mosque” – urging supporters to attend council at 7pm to protest the proposed mosque.
“Stand up for Australia and stop this abhorrent proposed mosque in Kalgoorlie!,” the event invitation says. “Every man and his dog head to the Kalgoorlie town hall at 7pm to voice our outright objections to this vile mosque!”
The proposal has been recommended for approval by Council officer Alex Wiese under a raft of conditions.
City of Kalgoorlie Boulder acting CEO Rob Radosevich said he had been monitoring social media on the mosque and was aware of the planned protest but not majorly concerned, despite briefing local police.
“Local police have been briefed and will be on standby to attend the meeting if required,” he said. “Police are aware of the item being presented … and will be patrolling Hannan Street in the vicinity of the Kalgoorlie Town Hall for the duration of the meeting. Officers at Kalgoorlie Police Station will also be available to respond if the need arises.
“The City has standing orders and advice from the Department of Local Government’s operational guidelines and procedures are in place to deal with any disruption in accordance with these guidelines.”
Only four people have responded to the Facebook event invite and one, Michael Holt, lives in Brisbane and is the CEO of RestoreAustralia, which presents itself as “the public face of The Foundation for National Renewal” and campaigns against the “Islamization” of Australia. The three other Facebook users attending are all Kalgoorlie locals.
The group have not responded to interview requests.
Update: See “Kalgoorlie-Boulder council approves mosque during fiery meeting”, Islamophobia Watch, 29 July 2014