Healesville McDonald’s: Macca’s puts in bid to open in Yarra Valley food and wine town
It is known for its food, wine and picturesque views, and now Macca’s wants a slice of the Yarra Valley action. But some locals are ready to lock horns, saying they are not willing to let the fast-food giant ruin their region’s “point of difference”.
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Macca’s is eyeing the Yarra Valley’s most popular food and wine destination, and there doesn’t seem to be much locals can do about it.
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.
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.
Its 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.
Jimmy Dunne, who runs the NO McDonalds/NO Inappropriate Developments in Healesville Facebook page said the township was unique and a Macca’s eatery was not appropriate.
Mr Dunne, who said he initially joined the No Macca’s in Tecoma protests, works in the popular tourist town and said nearby residents were not happy with the plans either.
“There seems to be a smaller minority of the community who are happy that it’s going to come as they feel it’s good for local young people to get employment,” Mr Dunne said.
“But the majority seem to be against it.”
He said Healesville was a very unique township and with the Yarra Valley known for its high-class food, McDonald’s was not appropriate.
“Personally I’m against the large corporate fast-food chain coming into a pristine tourist area like the Yarra Valley and the Dandenong Ranges,” Mr Dunne said.
“(Healesville) offers a very difference experience and the Yarra Valley should remain as a point of difference.”
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He said with other parcels of land near the entrance to the town, the development could prompt similar applications.
Yarra Ranges planning, design and development director Kath McClusky said the council was reviewing the application and once it had all the relevant information would advertise it to the community.
“Once the advertising period has finished, the application will be assessed against the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme, considering all submissions, before a final decision is made,” Ms McClusky said.
“No date has been set for advertising and no decision has been made on this application.”
A McDonald’s spokesperson said the chain was “still working through the approval process for this location and don’t want to pre-empt the decision of the council”.