Healesville McDonald’s: community poll to tally community opinion
While cheeseburgers and Big Mac’s could soon purchased in the heart of the pristine Yarra Valley, a poll shows public opinion on how it would affect the community is divided, with one side of the argument coming out just on top.
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Public opinion remains divided on whether McDonald’s should move in on a Yarra Valley tourist hotspot with a poll showing the yeas just on top of the nays.
The fast-food giant has submitted a planning application to Yarra Ranges Council in its bid to become a tenant at an already-approved development at the gateway to the rural township.
But according to a poll with 5400 votes on the Facebook page McHealesville — purely set up just to settle the score — 52 per cent of people want to see McDonald’s set up in the town, while 48 per cent do not.
The poll ends next week.
This is the second controversial McDonald’s restaurant to move in to the picturesque district, with the corporate giant winning a major bunfight to open in Tecoma in 2014, despite years of ongoing protests.
Feedback comments from locals has been varied with some believing McDonald’s would harm the town’s existing small businesses, while others think it would bring jobs to the area.
Matt Freer said there were pros and cons to having the fast-food restaurant in Healesville.
“My issue is its positioning, immediately after the welcome to Healesville sign,” Mr Freer wrote.
“Hardly an inspiring welcome to a beautiful country town.
“Another worry is the inevitable rubbish which will start to appear everywhere.”
While Dale Welsh said: “Let’s face it, if you have travelled a few hours with kids in tow and you see that big M, you’re first thought it ‘ahh toilets’.”
But Sarah Martin said while McDonald’s might bring employment for some, it could cause job losses elsewhere.
“People think it’s going to give employment opportunities which it will, but it will also cause a greater loss of current jobs when all the small businesses can’t afford to pay their staff or stay open,” Ms Martin said.
While Max Zaid believe most people would choose cafes and bakeries over McDonald’s.
“Giving people more choice doesn’t negate the ones they currently have,” Mr Zaid wrote.
“I know that myself, most people I know and everyone that rides their motorbikes up that way, will always choose to stop at a bakery there, or for a pub lunch over McDonald’s.”
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McDonald’s submission requests permission to alter planning conditions of the development to fit in with its well-known drive-through restaurant design.
Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader previously reported on the approved development on the former sawmill site at 17-25 Maroondah Highway, which includes an epicurean and function centre with brewery and accommodation, a community market, shops, a service station, take away food premises, parking, loading and advertising signs.