Healesville McDonald’s: Macca’s unveils plans to open at 17-25 Maroondah Highway

After a major bunfight over its move to Tecoma, McDonald’s is eyeing a new location in the Yarra Valley, and not everyone is happy.

Macca’s is planning to open a new outlet in Healesville.

McDonald’s is pushing ahead with controversial plans to open a new restaurant in Healesville.

Yarra Ranges Council has received an application to amend a planning permit to allow the development of a Macca’s at 17-25 Maroondah Highway.

The fast food giant already has the right to use the site for a convenience restaurant, but has applied to the council to amend details of the planned building.

A permit was issued by the council at the direction of VCAT back in 2016, that allows the use and development of the former sawmill site for a hotel, market, restricted retail premises, service station, take away food premises, and convenience restaurant.

The amendment application seeks approval to alter the layout of the approved convenience restaurant, including the drive-through, carparking, loading areas and landscaping and signage.

A McDonald’s Australia spokesperson said the amendments would help improve the design and functionality of the restaurant, to ensure customers could easily access contactless services such as drive-through.

“If approved, the restaurant would inject over $5 million into the local economy and create 100 jobs during construction, as well as a further 120 jobs once operational,” the spokesperson said.

“McDonald’s takes its responsibility for engaging with the community seriously and will consider all feedback as part of the development application process.”

McDonald’s won a major bunfight to open in the Yarra Ranges town of Tecoma in 2014, despite years of ongoing protests.

Macca’s has also unveiled plans to open a new store in Chirnside Park.

Despite community outcry, McDonald’s finally opened a controversial outlet in Tecoma in 2014.

Jimmy Dunne, who runs the NO McDonalds/NO Inappropriate Developments in Healesville Facebook page, said he feared once the Healesville outlet opened, McDonald’s would continue to open new stores across the Yarra Valley, including Yarra Glen.

Mr Dunne said McDonald’s was not suited to Healesville, a well-known tourist town renowned for its unique food and drink experiences.

“It’s out of keeping with the style of food and beverages that Healesville has become famous for,” he said.

“Once a country town has lost its feel, it’s gone forever,” he said.

The old sawmill site at 17-25 Maroondah Highway in Healesville where a major development has been approved.

Mr Dunne was also concerned about an increase in litter, and customers tossing their rubbish out of their car windows once they’d finished eating at the restaurant.

He was also worried about an increase in noise pollution for local residents, as well as increased traffic snarls.

Opinions were divided on Macca’s move into Healesville on the Lilydale & Yarra Valley Leader Facebook page, with 99 people in support of the plan and 21 against.

“Considering we have such amazing food why do we need a Maccas?” Sally Willis said.

But others welcomed the boost in jobs.

“If it creates more jobs, then yes (I support it),” Nicky Hopkins said.

“Bring on the Big Mac,” Renee Mcivor said.