New Sunshine Coast mosque plans lead to protester clash

Religious tensions have erupted on the Sunshine Coast today, with police forced to separate clashing groups of protesters.

The ugly scenes were sparked by a plan to construct a new mosque.

Around 400 people filled Church Street in Maroochydore, impassioned by plans to build the Sunshine Coast's first mosque.

The Anglican and Catholic churches on the street have welcomed their potential neighbours - but there are plenty of locals who don't share that tolerance.

Anti-Islamic sentiment was plastered on posters, with young children encouraged to get involved.

Their simplistic view: Muslims equal trouble.

This issue is literally dividing the Sunshine Coast community, but the local council hasn't even given approval for development of the site.

However, if it is given, protests like this are likely to become a regular occurrence.

Blocked off by police, outnumbered but equally as passionate were those in support of religious freedom.