Strathfieldsaye McDonald’s proposal shot down by Bendigo council

Locals from the “Toorak of Bendigo” have taken on a US fast food giant and scored a super-sized win citing the safety of students from a nearby school and unhealthy food.

Strathfieldsaye locals, including Helen Sweeney, have welcomed Bendigo council’s decision to reject the fast food giant from opening in the “Toorak of Bendigo”.

The well-heeled from the “Toorak of Bendigo” have scored a super-sized win in their fight against a proposed McDonald’s fast food outlet

The planning application for a Maccas to be built at 863 Wellington St in Strathfieldsaye attracted outrage from locals, with 136 objections and a petition with 95 signatures against the proposal being tabled at Bendigo Council.

Strathfieldsaye local Helen Sweeney said the location of the restaurant would have posed a risk to students at a nearby primary school

“The kids come roaring down (the street) and in my head, I’ve got (someone) coming through the drive-thru with a hot coffee and fiddling with where you put your phone … it just compounds it,”

The proposed site backs onto Strathfieldsaye Primary School and parents would have to share Club Ct with customers during pick-up and drop-off times.

Ms Sweeney said residents who valued their “quiet lifestyle” would also be impacted.

“I’d like some quiet between 10pm and 7am,” she said.

Helen Sweeney stands in front of the former proposed McDonald's site in Strathfieldsaye that was blocked by council this week. Picture: Eddie Russell

“The 24/7 nature of it and associated noise and disturbance … will inconvenience us and all of our neighbours.”

A council report stated one objector referred to the booming outer suburb as the “new Toorak … of Bendigo”.

Despite council officers recommending to approve the plans, all nine councillors rejected the US fast food giant’s proposal

It comes a week after a McDonald’s restaurant on the celebrated High St in Northcote, Melbourne was knocked back.

Councillors argued the likely increase in traffic posed a danger to children and pedestrians and a McDonald’s presence promoted unhealthy food choices.

Cr Shivali Chatley, whose ward includes Strathfieldsaye, said there had been “no issue more consistently raised” by locals.

“The proposal … presents significant and unmitigated concerns including real risks to children and vulnerable road users.”

Strathfieldsaye Primary School entrance from Club Court just 100 metres from the proposed fast food location. Picture: Google Maps

“For the sake of children, families, and residents … I will be supporting the refusal of this planning permit.”

However, Cr Damien Hurrell warned the matter would likely be taken out of council’s hands by higher powers.

“I am concerned that should council refuse to issue the permit tonight, then the decision will be appealed to VCAT and council officers advice will be upheld and the permit issued nonetheless,” he said.

“Contending a matter in VCAT is not an inexpensive business and that means the expenditure of ratepayers money will not be used for other potentially more useful purposes.

“The objectors told me … that the expense involved in defending a refusal will be worth every dollar, but other residents I have spoken to about this are not so sure.”

The vacant lot where McDonald's want to build a restaurant in Strathfieldsaye. Picture: Eddie Russell

In 2022, the tribunal forced through the approval of a medical centre, cafe, and 7-Eleven service station on the Wellington St site, but only the service station was built.

Cr Aaron Spong said there was a “moral obligation” to continue the fight.

“I believe that the community of Strathfieldsaye should have their day in court and we as councillors are in a position … to protect our most vulnerable.”

“It’s so convenient for fast food to be right there; it’s the easy option and most of the time parents cave in.”

Ms Sweeney said residents and parents were “most certainly” prepared to continue the fight against the proposal.