Mt Evelyn community’s rally against fast food giant in residential area

Mt Evelyn residents say the proposed Hereford Rd McDonalds will “stick out like a sore thumb” amid concerns over noise, litter and the smell created by the fast food giant.

The Mt Evelyn community is banding together to stop a McDonalds from being built in their suburb.

Another hills community is banding together as a huge bun fight develops over plans to build a McDonalds in the Yarra Ranges.

Two planning applications have been received by Yarra Ranges Council for 19-23 Hereford Rd Mt Evelyn for a $4.5m Macca’s restaurant and a $3.5m childcare centre, accommodating 108 children.

A render of the proposed Mt Evelyn McDonald's.

The restaurant with a dual lane drive through is proposed for the southern half of the site, while the childcare centre would be built on the northern half.

A render of the proposed childcare centre in Mount Evelyn, set to be on the same site as McDonald’s.

The hills community was rocked more than 10 years ago when McDonalds built a store in Tecoma.

Mt Evelyn resident Amy Kidd said the proposed McDonalds would “stick out like a sore thumb” on the residential street.

“The site backs right onto houses, and residents will have to look at that building every day,” Ms Kidd said.

“Traffic also already backs up in that area, a McDonalds will make it worse, not to mention the noise, litter and smell.”

The existing building on the proposed site is being used a futsal centre and will be demolished if the McDonalds and childcare are approved.

The current site which could become home to a new McDonald's in Mt Evelyn.

‘The futsal club is one of the most popular places in Mt Evelyn for kids,” Ms Kidd said.

“Why would we want one of the most used community venues to be replaced by a fast food chain?”

Residents have planned a public meeting on April 4 at the Mt Evelyn Public Hall to start building awareness and educate residents on the proposal.

A GoFundMe has also been created to raise money for the campaign to fund a website, printing costs for leaflets and flyers and to pay for venues to hold community meetings, with more than $700 raised so far.

Local businesses have also set up collection points and have been displaying signage opposing the Mt Evelyn McDonalds.

The Mt Evelyn community is banding together to stop a McDonalds from being built in their suburb.

A sign has been erected at the Passchendaele Cafe in Mt Evelyn opposing the McDonalds.

In a statement, McDonald’s said it was working through the development application process for a proposed restaurant in Mount Evelyn.

“McDonald’s is committed to supporting the community it operates in through creating jobs, investing in the economy, supporting local community groups and providing ongoing training and development opportunities for employees,” the statement said.

“If approved, the restaurant will inject over $5m into the local economy and create 100 jobs during construction, as well as a further 120 jobs once operational.

“We are committed to being a good neighbour and engaging with council and the local community throughout the development application process.”

The application is before Yarra Ranges Council.