McDonald’s at Tecoma makes its mark on the community as signage goes up for first time

THE golden arches are up at the site of the controversial new McDonald’s in Tecoma, even as 24-hour protests continue.

The golden arches are finally up at Tecoma McDonald’s. Picture: Lawrence Pinder

THE golden arches were finally installed on top of the controversial Tecoma Macca’s site yesterday, despite continuing opposition from local protesters.

The large yellow McDonald’s sign was put up at the site yesterday afternoon, making protesters nervous the fast food store’s opening could be in the coming weeks.

News of the sign triggered a flood of comments on the Free Press Leader Facebook page, with some readers defending McDonald’s right to build on the site and other readers predicting the demise of the fast food giant’s new franchise.

Protesters have adopted a range of tactics to try and stop the franchise being built. In October they vowed to chain themselves to the site after Yarra Ranges Council last night rejected pleas to take the battle to the Supreme Court.

In September they returned from Chicago after a “very successful” protest outside a McDonald’s outlet that attracted media attention in the Windy City.

With the Tecoma outlet to open soon, the protesters are looking at other options to make their point.

No Macca’s in Tecoma spokesman Garry Muratore said Americans saw their fight as a “David and Goliath” battle.

No Macca’s in the Hills spokesman Garry Muratore said the protesters were “not happy” about the sign.

“We will continue to protest peacefully and legally,” he said.

Mr Muratore said the No Macca’s group had been busy working behind the scenes with local businesses and traders on peaceful actions promoting local tourism.

He remained tight-lipped about what they would be.

McDonald’s was contacted for comment.