Mt Evelyn residents prepared to grill McDonald’s Hereford Rd proposal

A meeting of more than 200 Yarra Ranges residents protesting over a proposed McDonalds was forced to stop when a man in the crowd ordered an Uber Eats delivery of a burger from Maccas.

Mt Evelyn residents are in a bun fight over a proposed McDonalds restaurant on Hereford Rd.

A meeting of more than 200 people fighting a proposed McDonalds restaurant in the Yarra Ranges was interrupted when a man ordered an Uber Eats delivery of a burger from the Golden Arches which he was forced to eat outside.

The bun fight between Mt Evelyn locals and the fast food giant got some extra heat when

Representatives from the group who famously fought — and lost — the battle to prevent the controversial Tecoma McDonald’s joined Thursday night’s meeting to give advice to the Mt Evelyn community.

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

The restaurant, complete 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.

The ‘No McDonalds in Mt Evelyn’ group has put up signage around town to rally the community.

No McDonalds in Mt Evelyn group member Organiser Clare Worsnop said there was strong opposition to the proposal

“It was such a packed hall, all the seats were taken and people were standing,” she said.

“We took a vote about our community stance and every person in that room opposed a McDonald’s in Mt Evelyn.

“It is very clear what the community wants and we are ready to fight.”

There was a moment of drama when a man in the crowd ordered a Uber Eats delivery of a McDonald’s burger.

“I don’t know if it was a prank but the whole crowd made him eat it outside,” Ms Worsnop said.

“I think it backfired anyway because it showed we don’t need another McDonalds.

“There is already one a few minutes away.”

Residents are up in arms over the proposal.

Residents also raised concerns about the potential safety risks of a childcare centre being placed next to the McDonalds.

“On Hereford Rd where the drive through is proposed you can’t see the cars coming up that road,” she said.

“Also a childcare centre should not be sharing a driveway with a McDonalds.

“It is just not safe.”

Ms Worsnop said the developers were invited to the meeting but did not attend.

“They can’t say they are good corporate citizens if they did not even have the courtesy to address the community.”

The proposal is still before Yarra Ranges Council.