The Muslim community in Bendigo is determined to go ahead with plans for a mosque despite ongoing protests by some locals who last night forced a council meeting to an abrupt end.

Police were called in to escort the Mayor and councillors of the City of Greater Bendigo from their regular meeting when anti-mosque protesters began chanting and hurling abuse.

Heri Febriyanto from the Bendigo Islamic Association, which is behind the plans for the mosque and cultural centre, said the display did not reflect the wider community's views.

"The majority of Bendigo supports us. We've always supported peace and harmony and we'll continue doing so," Mr Febriyanto said.

The plans for the mosque and cultural centre, in an industrial area in the town's east, were approved by the council, subject to conditions, in June last year.

It was challenged by a group, calling itself 'Rights for Bendigo Residents', which was also behind last night's protest.

But the council's decision was upheld by Victoria's Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

That ruling is now being challenged in the Victorian Court of Appeal.

Mr Febriyanto said he was concerned by the misinformation put out by the group and its tactics.

"Opposing the Australian system and law cannot be the Australian way," he said.

"Aggression and violence cannot be the Australian way."

Currently the local Muslim community use a prayer room at La Trobe University's campus which can only accommodate up to 50 worshippers.

A larger room is provided for Friday prayers where about 70 people can pray.

Mr Febriyanto said it was far short of what's needed for the more than 300 Muslims in Bendigo, who hail from 25 different countries.

"Everyone has the freedom to practice their religion and the Muslims of Bendigo are happy to be able to do this," he said.

The ABC approached a spokeswoman for the Rights for Bendigo Residents group for comment but was told the national broadcaster "did not want to know the truth".

Mr Febriyanto said he has never been approached by the protest group to explain the project.

"If they have any sensible questions we are happy to answer them," he said.

Objections, protests 'will fizzle out' once mosque is built

Tim McIntyre from B&B Basil, which grows and supplies herbs and flowers and operates from a property directly opposite the mosque site, said he was happy the council had listened to local concerns about parking, traffic and noise.

A bypass road is being built on the block adjacent to the mosque lot, which it is thought will alleviate some traffic issues.

Tim McIntyre says he has no problem with the mosque as long as it meets council requirements. ( ABC: Karen Percy )

"I don't want to be woken up at six o'clock in the morning but other than that and the parking situation I believe has been resolved," he said.

"So it's fine by me, I'm happy for it to go ahead.

"It's another church or place of worship. I think it will be fine, as long as council has given them a number of conditions to fulfil.

"I wonder if it had been a Buddhist temple if anyone would have objected, so it's that fear of the other.

"I think once the building's gone ahead and it's all up and running it'll all fizzle out and become a background issue.

"We've been a multicultural nation for 40 years and I think we've got to tolerate each other and accept each other."