Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Stop McDonalds Infesting Rye

STOP MCDONALDS INFESTING RYE

This is an URGENT call out to all those who wish to keep Rye the small, friendly and inviting beach town it currently is.

It has come to my attention that both McDonalds and Hungry Jacks are looking to infest our town with their 'restuarants'.

Although this is still only a 'rumour' I have spent hours trying to gather information, and every new piece I receive just substantiates my fears.

My research has informed me that Hungry Jacks is looking at the site next to Peninsula Surf and that McDonalds is purchasing the house at 2 Dundas Street and the 2 houses and 1 vacant block on the corner of Pt Nepean Road and Dundas St.

It is my opinion, and the opinion of EVERYONE that I have spoken to, that this is a horrific possibility for the entire town of Rye, especially the opening of a McDonalds in a residential zoned area which would involve knocking down some beautiful old homes.

I have spoken to the council and so far no planning permits have been submitted, however, I have also discovered that, although the Pt Nepean and Dundas St site is listed as Residential Zone 1, as it is bordering a commercial zoned area a convenience restaurant only needs the standard planning permits and does not need to go to a planning amendment.

WHAT CAN WE DO

We can not complain to the shire planning department until there is infact a planning application submitted. The shire should advertise the permit through various means, such as in the paper, notifying homes in the immediate area, erecting a 'yellow sign' etc etc, although they do not have to do all these things. A permit application will be advertised on the shire website http://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/, try looking under 'on exhibition'. A permit may not have much details on it, it may only say 'take away restaurant' or 'restaurant for more than 60' etc.

We need to be vigilant and ensure that EVERYONE knows about the threat. I am concerned that this permit could simply slip through without anyones knowledge. So, if anyone sees or hears anything, can they please spread the word. I am desperate to receive any information I can get, so please keep me informed.

I will be continuing this fight. I will stay in contact with the shire, the community action group and anyone else I can think of.

Maybe letters to our councillors? Any other thoughts?

WHAT IS AT STAKE

A McDonalds in Rye will not only be a blight on the general feel and appearance of our town, but it will also increase the amount of rubbish in our area, increase the 'hoon drivers' that will be speeding through drivethru at all hours of day and night and most importantly, greatly affect the traders that already exist in our town. I believe, as do many of the local shop owners, that this will mean the end of more than one food outlet on the foreshore. Tourists are NOT going to support the local shop over the multinational!!!

Please help me gather information in the fight against a McDonalds or Hungry Jacks in Rye.