Debate has reignited about the prospect of a McDonald’s restaurant at the entrance to Castlemaine, with residents divided between those supporting the development and those campaigning against it.
The latest development came this week after a planning application was lodged with Mount Alexander Shire Council for the construction of a building and the creation of a crossover at 72-80 Forest Street.
The site is in a Transport Zone at the town’s entry point.
News that the multinational fast-food company had purchased the land previously sparked a range of reactions, from support and indifference to strong opposition.
A group of local children rallied against the proposal, while opponents formed the ‘MAC OFF – Protect Castlemaine’ campaign.
The campaign has also joined a broader statewide push for stronger Victorian planning laws that would give councils greater powers to restrict new fast-food developments.
Meanwhile, a new Change.org petition has emerged in support of the Castlemaine proposal.
Petitioner Wayne Taylor said a McDonald’s would provide affordable and convenient dining options while creating employment opportunities for residents.
“There are some individuals who are opposing this initiative, attempting to halt the progress of something that could greatly benefit our local economy,” Mr Taylor wrote.
The petition states a McDonald’s franchise would “not only provide an additional dining location but also create much-needed job opportunities for our residents”.
Opponents have raised concerns about the potential impact of automation on employment, pointing to a recent trial of artificial intelligence technology at an Australian McDonald’s restaurant.
The competing campaigns have placed the proposed development back at the centre of community discussion as the planning process gets underway.
Mount Alexander Shire Council Interim Director Infrastructure and Development Anthony Petherbridge confirmed a planning application had been lodged for the Forest Street site.
“The application will be publicly available during the advertising period, at which time interested parties may make formal submissions for or against the proposal,” he said.
Council is currently unable to provide further information about the proposal while the application progresses through the planning process.
Once the application is formally advertised, residents will be able to lodge submissions supporting or objecting to the development through council’s website or by emailing info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.
The proposal follows months of community debate over whether a McDonald’s is appropriate for Castlemaine, with the outcome now to be considered through the formal planning process.