Reclaim Australia behind lobby to stop Buchanan mosque

National Reclaim Australia spokesman John Oliver said the group had established the Facebook page as part of its blanket push against the construction of mosques across the country.

Of the 6000 people who joined the social media group from all over the country Mr Oliver claimed at least 300 or more were local residents.

In 2014 Cessnock City Council estimated the population of the local government area was 54,979 people.

“There is a lot of distrust in the community,” Mr Oliver said.

“What people are afraid of is a ­purpose-built mosque in the area bringing in more Muslims to the area.”

Reclaim Australia, a controversial anti-Islam group, has appeared ­regularly in the media after clashes erupted during protests in Melbourne in July.

According to Mr Oliver, Reclaim Australia had previously thought opposing mosque developments was counter-productive, but the group’s position had now changed.

The group has organised a rally to take place in Cessnock to protest the Buchanan development and Mr Oliver, who pointed out he is an atheist, said it would be peaceful.

The rally will be the first of many challenges against the development and according to Mr Oliver Reclaim Australia will consider taking legal to stop the mosque.

Last week, the Newcastle Muslim Association announced plans to build a mosque and small funeral home on a property at Buchanan Road, but no development application has been lodged with Cessnock City Council to date.

Reclaim Australia launched the protest page on social media within hours of the announcement.

The group contacted the Mercury in response to Tuesday’s story about Cessnock MP Clayton Barr, who said the Cessnock community had so far spoken in favour of the mosque.