SUPPORTERS of a proposed Islamic Museum for Canberra have vowed to push ahead with the scheme despite a land application for the project being rejected.
The Sunday Canberra Times last month revealed the Australian Federation of Islamic Councils sought land within the Parliamentary Triangle to build a Museum of Islamic Art and History.
Backers of the centre claim it will showcase the contribution Muslims have made to building the nation.
Applications for new national institutions are made to government and the appeal for land failed to gain support.
But Muslims Australia president Ikebal Patel said the federation would continue to pursue a permanent exhibition displaying the legacy of Islam in Australia.
Mr Patel said the board hoped to strike a deal with an existing institution to house a stripped down version of the exhibition.
The initial design for the stand-alone museum included space for art, history, music, inventions and culture.
But it was now intended that the project, if it went ahead, would promote history, art and culture.
''Aspects, like music and inventions, would have to be dropped for the time being until we can pick up on it at a later date,'' Mr Patel said.
''How Muslims have helped shape Australia is important because it's a part of Australian history that people probably don't appreciate as much as they should.''
Mr Patel said plans were still in the concept stage and no agreements had been reached.
But any Islamic museum was expected to seek financial support with a combination of private and public funds.
This could also include assistance from the Indonesian and Malaysian governments - two of Australia's closest Islamic neighbours.
If the project was to go ahead , it would become the second of its kind in the country.
Construction of an Islamic Museum is due to commence later this month in Melbourne.
Mr Patel will fly to Victoria and attend the ceremony of the turning of the first sod on February 17.
The museum will join the Chinese Museum, the Museo Italiano in Carlton and the Jewish Museum in St Kilda showcasing multiculturalism in Australia.
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