Muslims Vow to Build Bigger Mosque in Toowoomba, Australia
The renovations which will meet the growing number of worshipers in Toowoomba, in south-west Queensland, Australia, is expected to receive council approval on Thursday.
Upgrades to the mosque, which will accommodate up to 300 worshipers, received only four complaints, the Daily Mail reported.
The mosque was hit by two attacks, one in January and the other in April last year, which left the mosque extensively damaged.
The upgrades will be funded by Insurance money but a substantial amount will be raised during fundraising events.
'Since we have the land to expand and can include all essential facilities like toilets, an ablution area, and a proper space for women, the committee has decided to make provisions for those,' Founding President of Toowoomba Islamic Society Professor Shahjahan Khan said.
'This expansion will meet the need for the growing community for many years to come. This is purely based on the need.'
The premises will also have an on-site car parking space for 42 vehicles and barriers will be constructed to limit noise.
Officers have recommended an approval as it complies with all the requirements.
Despite a long investigation by police the arsonist is yet to be found.
The first incident occurred in January last year when an unknown person lit a fire in a plastic bin which caused damage to the floor of the building.
During the second incident on April 17 the arsonist smashed a window and a fire was started inside the building, causing significant internal damage.
A reward of $25,000 was offered by police for information.
