Sydney Councillor Tells Residents to Close Windows Over Mosque Speakers

A Western Sydney councillor suggested that residents bothered by a mosque's plan to install loudspeakers should simply close their windows ^[1].

The incident highlights growing tensions in New South Wales regarding the balance between religious expression and local residential noise standards. As mosques seek to expand their public presence, the response from local government officials can either mitigate or exacerbate community friction.

A mosque in Western Sydney intends to install loudspeakers to broadcast the Friday call to prayer ^[1]. This plan has met with significant opposition from some local residents who object to the increased noise levels in their neighborhood ^[1].

Councillor Saud Abu‑Samen said that residents upset by the plan should simply close their windows ^[1]. The comment was made in the context of the ongoing debate over the mosque's proposal to amplify its calls to prayer.

James Morrow, a host for News24, said in a video interview that the mosque wants to put loudspeakers up to broadcast the Friday call to prayer ^[2]. Morrow described the local reaction to the proposal, saying that it has gone down like a lead falafel ^[2].

The dispute centers on the use of external amplification for religious purposes in a residential area. While the mosque views the broadcast as a standard part of its religious practice, opposing residents view it as a disruption to the peace of their homes ^[1].

Local authorities continue to review the proposal as the community remains divided over the councillor's dismissive advice and the mosque's request for loudspeaker installation ^[1].