Quranic Society defends its plan
17/10/2007 9:35:13 PM
THE Islamic school planned for Camden would not discriminate between Muslims and non-Muslims, the society behind the proposal said.
Jeremy Bingham, spokesman for the Quranic Society, said being Muslim would not be a prerequisite to attend the school that would be known as Camden College.
Since last week's report of plans for an Islamic school on the corner of Burragorang and Cawdor roads, a handful of readers have expressed their objections.
Comments left on our website included: "This is not the right place to build such a school, nor is it in the interests of the Camden community to allow it" (posted by Bec) and "There is no way this school should be allowed to go ahead, it will bring tension to the area that is not needed" (posted by John O'Neil).
When the Advertiser contacted the Quranic Society for a response, Mr Bingham said the school was planning for the population growth in Camden as a result of the south-west growth centre.
"Obviously, it is a good thing to have a new quality private school teaching the growing population of the area," he said.
"They want their school to be in a rural area because it is the best kind of place to have a school.
"It's best for the children and also best in terms of low impact on neighbours."
Mr Bingham said it would be great for the Camden community to have a Muslim population "because one of the things that is great about the Australian society is we are very varied and able to accommodate all mixes".
"To have a sprinkling of Muslims in the community is a very good thing," he said.
"They make very good citizens. The aim of the society is to bring the students up as good members of the Australian community, not to bring them up as separate."
Mr Bingham pointed out that Christianity, Judaism and the Muslim faith had similar beliefs and common ancestry.
Camden Mayor Chris Patterson said a strict process had to be followed when assessing the development application for the school.
He encouraged any resident who wanted to write a submission to the council, in either support of the school or objecting it, to do so.
Plans for the school are on display until November 14.
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