24-hour McDonald’s planned for Medowie draws debate from locals
A new 24-hour McDonald’s is being proposed for a suburb in the Hunter Region — but not everyone is happy about it, including one person who said they ‘have no need for the fast food giant on our doorstep’.
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The ‘Big M’ could be coming to Medowie, with a recent development application lodged to Port Stephens Council for a 24-hour McDonald’s restaurant.
Applicant Elton Consulting is seeking approval for the construction of the fast food giant’s restaurant, detailing a mixed-use purpose site on Medowie Rd.
The development application includes a 90-person capacity Maccas dining area, McCafe and PlayLand, dual lane drive-thru and 45 parking spaces.
The proposed hours of operation are seven days a week, 24-hours a day.
The site has also been flagged for a number of other business uses, including a childcare centre, pharmacy and mixed retail.
The development proposal has drawn a number of reactions from local residents.
Medowie resident Lisa Denholm said she opposed the whole design of the new centre development and bringing another fast food giant to the area.
“I'm not against Maccas wanting to put in another restaurant as it will give local kids more access to local jobs which is great, but it is not needed in Medowie,” she said.
“My eldest currently works for a local McDonald's but has issues getting to and from work due to lack of transport, so it would be great for him. But we already have a Maccas at Williamtown, which is just 10 minutes away.
“Why put one here when we have no need for it? We are a reasonably small community and have no need for the fast food giants on our doorstep.
“The local population (residents) will end up the size of houses and the amount of throw away waste will be enormous in our local environment.
Others were supporters, one posting to Facebook, that the McDonald’s development would add to local jobs and give parents a place to have a coffee while the kids played in a safe sun-smart playground.
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“If you don’t want to eat there, don’t,” it said.
“Such a fuss over much-needed facilities when increased medical care and childcare. It is in line with the housing developments and is exactly what’s needed.”
A report from the applicant stated considerations have been made about the potential impacts relating to environment, noise, crime prevention, social and economic impacts and visual impacts which could be managed and mitigated.