Construction has started on a Muslim agricultural school after Mareeba Shire Council gave it the go-ahead last year.
The school has caused some angst among the community with fears of expanding Islam throughout the region in light of the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach in December 2025 and other previous incidents in NSW.
Proponents of the school told Cairns News last year there were no plans to build a mosque or religious facility at the school site and it was open to all religious denominations.
The council consented to allow building of a non-residential educational facility on the southern side of the town in six stages to be completed by 2041.
The school proposes to teach up to 300 students when at capacity.
The Two Rivers Community School would offer “educational and learning opportunities for students based on the rich farming cultural heritage of the Tableland’s region,” according to the application.
