SAFETY BEACH — Locals said no — again and again. But after six years of public objections, petitions, and planning rejections, the golden arches are one step closer to rising on the Mornington Peninsula foreshore.
A controversial fast food development has been approved for Safety Beach following a decision by Victoria’s planning tribunal, despite overwhelming resistance from the local community and Mornington Peninsula Shire Council.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) last week upheld an appeal to redevelop a tired service station on the corner of Nepean Highway and Marine Drive and add a “McDonald’s-style” outlet next door — just metres from the sand.
“A Step Too Far,” Says Mayor
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Anthony Marsh criticised the ruling, saying the development was incompatible with the area’s coastal character and would worsen congestion.
“It’s a bit quiet now in mid-July, but if you were to come back in five months you’d find cars banked up for hundreds of metres on some days,” Cr Marsh said.
Dromana Association president and former mpsc councillor Simon Brooks added that summer traffic was already challenging, with cars, boats and jet-skis all competing at the intersection.
From Rejection to Approval
The development had been rejected twice — first by Council and later by VCAT — following more than 1,000 community objections. However, a revised, smaller design with traffic management measures pushed the proposal over the line.
VCAT acknowledged the strength of local sentiment but described the existing servo as “tired and outdated”, noting that the updated proposal addressed several earlier concerns.
Locals Fear Loss of Coastal Character
While the developer has not publicly named McDonald’s as the tenant, locals say it’s no secret who’s behind the application.
Many fear the arrival of a multinational fast food chain will erode the village charm that makes Safety Beach unique, while hurting small businesses along the Nepean strip.
“It’s not just about burgers — it’s about what kind of place we want to be,” said one local café owner.
As construction edges closer, residents say they haven’t given up — but after years of knockbacks, some are questioning what power communities really have in shaping the future of their towns.
This is disgusting! Does Macdonalds have its lobbyists at VCAT???