Anti-Islam protest: Far-right groups rally in Melton against 'Muslim' housing estate

Neelima Choahan

About 150 anti-Islam protesters have met with a heavy police presence at a rally in Melbourne's west.

The group, which included members of the far-right United Patriots Front and True Blue Crew, met next to a children's playground at Hannah Watts Park in Melton.

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Far right protesters gather in Melton

Opposing a housing development which they claim is for Muslims only, a small group of far-right protesters gather in Melton on Sunday.

But there was no sign of violent clashes witnessed in Melbourne in recent months.

Police had warned on Saturday night they would conduct weapon searches and would not tolerate illegal hate speech at the rally.

About 50 officers spread out through the park, trailing protesters as they marched to the local council chambers.

Protesters claimed a 75-lot development being built off Coburns Road in Melton South was a Muslim housing estate. Melton council has denied it is a faith-based development.

Kim Vuga, who appeared on SBS's Go Back to Where You Came From and founded the Love Australia or Leave political party, was guest speaker at the rally.

Anti-Islamic protesters gather at #Melton at Hannah Watts Park. @theage pic.twitter.com/xa7RMWP3XK
— Neelima Choahan (@NeelimaChoahan) August 28, 2016

The anti-Muslim rally protest in Melton. Photo: Eddie Jim

The vacant land is close to where Reclaim Australia staged a violent protest last November over a mosque being built in the area.

Far-right and far-left groups have been involved in violent clashes on Melbourne's streets in Coburg and Carlton Gardens in recent months.

Protesters carry Australian flags to the Melton South rally. Photo: Eddie Jim

Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said the action was taking Australia "down the wrong path and the wrong direction".

"Australia's a diverse country and I don't believe in fermenting religious paranoia or hatred," he said.

Protesters gather in Melton South. Photo: Eddie Jim

"That's not the way this country works together."

With Goya Dmytryshchak and AAP