McDonald’s proposes first drive-through restaurant in Sarina on Bruce Hwy

The company behind the golden arches has submitted plans for what would be a cane town’s first ever drive-through, right on the Bruce Highway.

The company behind the golden arches has submitted plans for what would be a cane town’s first ever drive-through, right on the Bruce Highway.

The company behind the golden arches has submitted plans for what would be a cane town’s first ever drive-through, right on the Bruce Highway.

McDonald’s Australia has proposed building a new restaurant at 93, 95, 97 and 99 Broad St in Sarina with a dual-lane drive-through.

The development would replace four homes currently on the land and require a bus stop to be relocated further north.

Plans for a McDonald’s in Sarina at 93, 95, 97 and 99 Broad St were submitted on November 30, 2023. Picture: Contributed

Documents submitted to Mackay Regional Council on November 30 state its contemporary design is part of a national rollout for McDonald’s restaurants.

A development application prepared by Urbis notes that the venture would be the first drive-through in the township, and that Sarina was chosen as a rural location on a key transport route.

Plans for a McDonald’s on Broad St, Sarina. Picture: Contributed

“It is relevant to note that at the time of this application there are no similar existing or approved uses to this proposed development in the local area – being a drive-through,” it states.

“The Sarina urban area is identified as the major commercial and community service centre in the southern part of the Mackay region.

Plans for a Sarina McDonald’s were submitted on November 30, 2023. Picture: Contributed

“The township is relatively isolated from other settlements in the region, being surrounded by agricultural and rural use areas.

“The development fronts Broad St/Bruce Highway which is a key public transport, active transport and private transport route through the township.

Plans for a McDonalds in Sarina. Picture: Contributed

“The proposed development specifically includes: A new 453sq m McDonald’s family restaurant; A dual-lane drive-through with two waiting bays and queuing of up to 17 vehicles; 59 carparking spaces, including one PWD carparking space.”

Plans show drivers can enter and exit from two points, one south to Breen St and one to Broad St.

Documents also state the drive-through would be expected to “strengthen employment in expanding areas”.

The four houses on the current site are owned by Dean Anthony Brown and Patricia Ann Marriage, whose owner’s consent form accompanied the documents.