The criticism was made by residents who attended a meeting hosted by Sean Spencer, of the Sunshine Residents and Ratepayers Association.

About 40 residents were at the meeting, which was held outdoors by a bonfire to coincide with the ordinary council meeting being held at the Sunshine Council offices.

Mr Spencer said residents were never asked whether they wanted a new civic centre but, rather, where they wanted it and what colour it should be.

"Make no mistake," SunRRa president Darlene Reilly told the meeting, "they are trying to sell this as a civic centre when really it is just brand new council offices dressed up as a civic centre."

Another resident said: "We are happy to have a new civic centre after our parks, sports grounds and open space are all fixed?"

"How much is this going to raise our rates?" asked another.

The group carried a motion calling on Brimbank Council to stop all planning for the civic centre and reuse the $2 million allocated to the project in this year's budget for other community projects.