Minyama McDonalds gets nod

Sunshine Coast council officers have recommended approval of a 24 hour McDonald's restaurant outlet at Minyama despite 315 submissions objecting to it.

Twenty-four hour McDonald's soon to arrive at Minyama. Photo: Michaela O'Neill/177983

Sunshine Coast council officers have recommended approval of a controversial 24 hour McDonald's restaurant outlet at Minyama.

Despite 315 submissions to council objecting to the proposal including a 214 signature petition, staff gave the application the nod with provisions, including on site security, lighting on the pedestrian path and a safety management plan.

But councillor Chris Thompson, currently on holiday, left word that he would fight the proposal at next Monday's general committee meeting.

Yesterday, councillors deferred discussion on the application until Mr Thompson's return.

Local residents vowed last July to continue their fight against the proposal at the Chelsea Crescent site off Nicklin Way.

The residents had concerns including safety, vandalism in the area and the potential use of lanes in the otherwise quiet suburban streets for illicit activities.

"This is just going to exasperate a problem which has always been there and perhaps not everyone was aware of it," residents objection committee member Cheryl Gillard said at the time.

"If a 24 hour McDonald's opens up here, then you are going to have even more people hanging around here at all hours," she said.

Council officers wrote in their recommendation that despite council's refusal of a similar extension of hours to a Hungry Jack's outlet at Bokarina in August, this application was different.

"In the case of the proposed McDonald's restaurant, it is considered that the applicant has provided sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with the Nuisance Code," it said.

The recommendation pointed out the McDonald's proposal would not compromise environmental aspects of the Caloundra City Plan 2004.

The Daily unsuccessfully sought comment from Mr Thompson, but in July he backed the residents.

"What we have to do is leave no stone unturned while we work to stop (the proposal)," he said at the time.

Originally published as Minyama McDonalds gets nod