A STORM is brewing in Safety Beach and Dromana, and it’s got nothing to do with the weather.
Renewed concern that a McDonalds fast food restaurant could take up residence in the redeveloped Dromana BP complex in Marine Drive has reignited a debate about whether the area needs more fast food franchises. A planning application is now before the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council for the development of a petrol station/fast food complex on a corner site bordering Safety Beach and Dromana, despite a similar application being knocked back at the Victoria Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in 2021.
The council, which will hold a planning application conference between “the parties” on Thursday 20 June, has revealed it received support from the Department of Transport and Planning for the proposed alteration of a new access point to the site and a new pedestrian crossing along Marine Drive.
In 2019 AA Holdings applied to demolish an existing service station, convenience store and the house behind it to build a new BP and convenience restaurant at the Marine Drive/Nepean Highway intersection. It raised significant community concerns that McDonalds had intentions of moving in, and the development would increase traffic at the already busy intersection.
There were about 1000 written objections at the time, and some small business owners along Nepean Highway feared the fast food giant would drive them out of business. They said heavy traffic and litter would stifle trade and “change the whole dynamics and landscape” of the area (No fries with that, The News 14/7/20).
Now it is feared the new application to redevelop the service station has opened the way again for McDonalds. A Facebook poll on a local community page revealed there is still strong community opposition to a McDonalds at the site, which many believe will result in increased rubbish and loss of the coastal “village vibe”. There was some support related to increased employment.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 12th June 2024
