New development targeted at Muslims in Melbourne sparks outrage

From News Australia abd the Herald Sun

PEOPLE have slammed a new development in Melbourne, calling it “a ghetto of Islam”. A block in Melton South will be transformed into housing targeted at the Islamic community, with 75 separate lots and a mosque built in the middle of the neighbourhood.

It’s called Iqra Village and is said to become Victoria’s largest faith-based housing.

Developer Amanar Rahman, one of four listed directors of Rahber Developments, said the $2.4 million parcel was carved up to buyers who wanted to live with other Muslims. “It’s basically a community project that we have done in a halal way.”

Islamic Council of Victoria general manager Nail Aykan said he believed the planned development was the first of its kind in Melbourne “at this scale”. “It’s a great vision that we’re all neighbours, we all go into affordable housing and we do something that’s holy,’’ Mr Aykan said.

News AU is trying to put a positive slant on it. 

But the development is not a Muslim-only community and it will certainly not be gated. While it will be rich with Islamic culture, it’s only targeted at Muslim families who might want to live around others with the same values.

Australian Federation of Islamic Councils treasurer Keysar Trad (he has form) told A Current Affair Muslims were just creating a neighbourhood free of discrimination and free of misunderstanding.

“This particular venture is an indication there’s a feeling out there that there’s perhaps less acceptance of Muslims,” he said. “A project of this nature will allow people to be able to develop a local place of worship or a local school without too many objections from neighbours. They won’t be getting in anybody’s way, it’s something within their local community…”

However there is a cloud of the halal horizon

Homebuyers originally bought the subdivided lots under sharia law, which prohibits borrowing money where interest is payable, so the venture was financed by several investors. 

The company was wound up earlier this month over a $400,000 debt to the Australian Taxation Office.

Mr Rahman conceded Rahber’s precarious financial position jeopardised plans for the mosque. Two separate Supreme Court cases launched by buyers disputing money owed have been settled and dismissed. A similar Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal bid by two investors seeking damages over claims of being misled was also thrown out this month.