Tue, 14 Jul 2026 23:21:20 -0700WeeblySun, 28 Jun 2026 12:44:29 GMThttps://www.marcusmark.org/document-security-legal-risks-australian-issues-analysis/proposed-mcdonalds-restaurant-development-toukleynoraville-an-updated-independent-analysisThis post is for the information of our local community, including those who support the proposed McDonald's development and those who oppose it.

I am an independent researcher with substantial experience in analysing issues from a higher-level systems perspective, focusing on practical outcomes rather than emotion or politics.
On 23 November 2025, I attended the protest outside the proposed McDonald's site. My original posts of 18 November 2025 and 23 November 2025 remain available in the Blog section of www.MarcusMark.org. They provide background to this article and illustrate how my analysis has broadened as further information and events have emerged.

The main concerns raised by members of the community included:

I: Safety concerns and traffic congestion, considering the site is opposite a primary school on the main road.
II: Protecting the livelihoods of nearby food businesses.
III: The restaurant operating 24 hours a day.
IV: Concerns that the proposed car park is too small compared with other larger McDonald's restaurants.
V: Possible impacts on native wildlife.
VI: Concerns that McDonald's encourages unhealthy eating.

I was neutral then, and I remain neutral today. I am neither for nor against this development. As I stated in my previous posts of 18 and 23 November 2025, many of the concerns raised by protesters are valid from a personal perspective. However, in my opinion, they are not sufficient, from a legal and planning perspective, to permanently prevent this development from proceeding where it falls within the approved zoning.

Rather than opposing the development and risking expensive litigation in the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales, I proposed what I believed was a practical solution.

My suggestion was for McDonald's, the affected local food businesses and Council to work together. Nearby food businesses could have been permitted to install better-positioned, illuminated signage, with Council providing the necessary approvals and McDonald's contributing towards the cost as a gesture of goodwill.

This would likely have cost McDonald's considerably less than lengthy proceedings in the Land and Environment Court while generating goodwill and helping existing businesses attract additional customers. Since many of those businesses close well before evening, they would receive valuable advertising exposure from passing traffic and McDonald's customers throughout the night, potentially increasing turnover during their daytime trading hours.

In my opinion, this proposal would have benefited everyone involved. Unfortunately, it was completely ignored, and many protesters believed they had achieved a complete victory when Council rejected the development application on 12 December 2025.

The reality is somewhat different.
I understand how councils and large corporations operate. While the applicant appears to be operating under the McDonald's franchise system, the proposal is likely supported by one of the world's largest corporations, and they will defend planning decisions through the legal process when they believe a proposal has merit. Like any applicant, they must ultimately satisfy the Court that the proposal complies with the relevant planning requirements and is appropriate for the site. I have confidence in the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales determining the matter on its legal merits.

Below are my views on each of the concerns raised.

1. Safety and Traffic
The site previously operated as Steve Kennedy Smash Repairs together with a spray-painting workshop. For many years there were constant vehicle movements, trucks entering and leaving the premises, reversing vehicles and industrial activities.
Importantly, this type of business falls within a light industrial land use, which is generally regarded as a more intensive use than a commercial restaurant.
The fact that McDonald's may attract more customers is not, by itself, likely to determine the outcome of proceedings in the Land and Environment Court. The Court generally considers whether the development has been properly designed and whether appropriate traffic management and safety measures have been incorporated.
Unlike the former smash repair business, the proposed McDonald's would also incorporate modern surveillance cameras and safety features that encourage more careful driving behaviour.
Another point raised was that serious road accidents have occurred in this area in the past. Ironically, this may strengthen McDonald's argument rather than weaken it. Those incidents occurred while the site operated as an industrial smash repair business, not as a modern fast-food restaurant. McDonald's could reasonably argue that the proposed development incorporates improved traffic design and safety measures, making the location safer than it previously was.

2. Protecting Existing Food Businesses
This is the one concern with which I largely agree.
That is precisely why I proposed improved illuminated signage funded by McDonald's as compensation for nearby businesses.
Unfortunately, once significant legal proceedings commence, goodwill negotiations become much less likely. Money that could have assisted local businesses may instead be spent on legal costs.
It is important to note that McDonald's was never under any legal obligation to provide assistance to surrounding businesses. My proposal was simply a practical goodwill solution that I believed would have benefited everyone involved.
Even if some nearby food businesses were affected by the new restaurant, a goodwill contribution towards improved illuminated signage would have helped offset that impact by increasing their visibility to passing motorists and McDonald's customers. In my opinion, this would have been a practical and relatively inexpensive solution for McDonald's compared with the cost of lengthy legal proceedings, while also fostering stronger community support for the development.
It is also worth remembering that while some nearby food businesses may experience increased competition, many other local businesses could actually benefit from the additional customer traffic generated by McDonald's. Businesses such as nearby pharmacies, medical services, retail stores and other service providers may receive greater exposure from the increased number of people visiting the area.
Likewise, members of our community who enjoy fast food late at night would finally have that option available when most other nearby food businesses are closed.

3. Twenty-four Hour Trading
In my opinion, this is unlikely to be a decisive issue.
There are very few nearby residences, and those that do exist are sufficiently distant that they are unlikely to be directly affected. The surrounding properties are predominantly commercial and are closed overnight, while the primary school is also closed during the evening.
From a planning perspective, this is very different from locating a 24-hour restaurant within a residential neighbourhood where noise and vehicle movements could directly affect nearby residents.
Even if the Land and Environment Court were to conclude that 24-hour trading was inappropriate for this particular location, that would not necessarily mean the development itself should be refused. In many planning matters, operational conditions can be imposed or modified to address specific concerns. If the Court considered reduced trading hours necessary to minimise impacts on the surrounding area, that could be one option available while still allowing the development to proceed.

4. Car Parking
Whether the proposed car park is adequate is ultimately a technical planning issue.
Personal opinions or speculation generally carry little weight unless supported by professional traffic engineering evidence. If the Land and Environment Court determines that the parking arrangements or traffic flow require improvement, these matters can generally be addressed through modifications to the development rather than rejecting the proposal entirely.

5. Native Wildlife
Another concern raised by some members of the community related to possible impacts on native wildlife.
This is an area in which I have considerable experience, particularly with Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos and birds of prey. Over many years I have worked with both State and Federal environment departments on conservation-related matters.
Interestingly, I did not hear concerns raised specifically about Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos, despite them being one of Australia's more significant native bird species from a conservation perspective.
From my own observations over many years, Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos frequently fly through this area. On several occasions I have even heard flocks travelling around midnight.
Although these birds are not predominantly nocturnal, they are highly intelligent and are capable of navigating using existing man-made structures and lighting.
While additional lighting may have varying effects on different native species, it may also provide benefits to species of higher conservation priority, such as the Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo. From my own observations, these birds are capable of navigating using man-made lighting when travelling after dark. In my opinion, additional lighting may assist them in locating suitable roosting areas and navigating more safely.
Any environmental assessment should therefore consider both the potential disadvantages for some native species and the potential benefits for others.

6. McDonald's is Unhealthy
Some protesters argue that McDonald's encourages unhealthy eating.
In my opinion, this argument carries very little legal or planning weight. There are already numerous takeaway food businesses throughout the area selling products of varying nutritional value. Depending on the food selected, some may offer greater nutritional value than comparable McDonald's products, some similar nutritional value, while others may offer less nutritional value. For this reason, I do not consider this to be a particularly helpful argument when assessing the proposed development.
McDonald's is not inherently unhealthy. Like most foods, it can form part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. Millions of people around the world enjoy McDonald's responsibly as part of an otherwise balanced lifestyle, which is one reason the brand continues to be so popular. Like almost every food, excessive consumption may contribute to health issues, but moderation is the key.
For these reasons, I do not believe this argument is likely to influence a planning decision.

Other Planning Considerations
If McDonald's were permanently rejected solely because it is a fast-food restaurant, rather than because of any deficiencies in the development design, this could establish a planning precedent that may affect future food-related developments on the site.
For example, if McDonald's were refused on principle but another fast-food business were later approved on the same land, significant legal issues could potentially arise concerning consistency and fairness in planning decisions. Depending on the circumstances, McDonald's may argue that it has suffered substantial financial and reputational loss.
This land is expensive, relatively small and has limited development options. In my opinion, it is unlikely someone would invest millions of dollars to build a public children's park, library, gym, a single dwelling or a duplex on privately owned commercial land of this value because such developments would be unlikely to be economically viable.
The more realistic alternatives are likely to be another commercial food business with a similar level of traffic generation, reflecting the economic realities of developing land of this value, or residential apartments.  

Personally, I believe that if the site were ultimately developed as residential apartments instead, it would be a less desirable outcome for the local community. Rather than creating predominantly customer traffic associated with a professionally managed commercial operation, residential apartments could generate a less predictable pattern of vehicle movements throughout the day and night.
If some apartments were later used for short-term accommodation, such as Airbnb, there could also be a higher proportion of drivers unfamiliar with local roads and traffic conditions compared with local residents. In my opinion, this has the potential to create greater road safety concerns, particularly given the site's proximity to the nearby primary school. By comparison, a McDonald's restaurant would typically operate under well-established corporate procedures, with regular staff presence, extensive lighting, CCTV surveillance and a strong focus on public safety and risk management.

More broadly, if land of this nature cannot be put to an economically viable commercial use, one of the more realistic alternatives may ultimately be residential development. At a time when many Australians are already struggling with housing affordability, and younger Australians and lower-income workers, including many employed in essential industries, are finding it increasingly difficult not only to pay rent but also to save for a home deposit, these broader community considerations are, in my opinion, also relevant when assessing the long-term merits of land use decisions.  

My concern has always been practical outcomes.
If Council ultimately loses in the Land and Environment Court, the development may proceed anyway. Existing food businesses are unlikely to receive any assistance because the opportunity for cooperation has been lost, and the legal costs associated with defending the proceedings may ultimately be borne by ratepayers.
That is simply a possibility that should be considered.
I also welcome respectful disagreement. If anyone believes I have overlooked an important issue or reached an incorrect conclusion, I would genuinely appreciate hearing an alternative viewpoint.
Finally, I wish to emphasise once again that I remain completely neutral. I do not mind whether this development proceeds or not. My objective has simply been to analyse the practical, legal and community issues as objectively as possible, and to explain why I believe the applicant has a relatively strong legal position if this matter is determined by the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales. Ultimately, however, the decision rests with the Court, and I respect its role in determining the matter according to the evidence and the applicable planning law.  
With the Court conducting its on-site inspection on 1 July 2026, I hope this post encourages respectful discussion and a broader consideration of the legal, environmental, commercial and community issues involved, regardless of whether you support or oppose the proposal.
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© Marcus Mark, MarcusMark.org. All rights reserved.
]]>Thu, 19 Mar 2026 02:31:54 GMThttps://www.marcusmark.org/document-security-legal-risks-australian-issues-analysis/when-an-e-bike-becomes-a-motorcycle-the-growing-problem-on-australian-roads-and-footpathsThe current conversation about e-bikes often overlooks an important point. Traditional bicycles and many e-bikes now found on Australian streets are fundamentally different. Treating them as if they are the same leads to significant issues.

Bicycles have long been integrated into a broader system with clear goals. Governments built cycling infrastructure to encourage health, fitness, and sustainable transport. Bike lanes, shared paths, and road provisions were intended for lightweight, human-powered vehicles with limited speed. These bicycles do not strain public infrastructure and, once produced, have no ongoing environmental impact.

This framework does not extend to high-powered e-bikes. The assumptions surrounding cycling infrastructure, such as speed, weight, and stopping distance, are based on human-powered transport. When these assumptions no longer hold, the entire system is compromised. Vehicles that exceed these parameters do not fit the intended use of that infrastructure and should not be treated as bicycles within it.

What is now appearing on roads and footpaths is quite different. Many e-bikes, especially those used by teenagers, seem to surpass Australia’s legal limits for power and speed. Many models can reach at least 50 km/h, and some up to 100 km/h, making them substantially faster than traditional bikes. At these speeds and given their greater weight than human-powered bicycles, they are effectively motorcycles rather than bicycles. As such, their use must be strictly regulated and enforced.

This change brings significant safety concerns. The existing infrastructure was never designed for vehicles of such weight or speed. Bike lanes and shared paths were created for low-speed, human-powered travel. The introduction of high-speed electric bikes increases the safety risks for pedestrians and other cyclists.

For example, the fastest human-powered cyclists, athletes on lightweight racing bikes, are still required to ride on the road rather than on footpaths. If skilled riders on slower, lighter bicycles are not allowed on footpaths, it is inconsistent to permit minors on much faster, heavier e-bikes to use the same spaces.

There is also a relevant comparison with petrol-powered bicycles, once more common but now banned due to the risks they posed. Although they could reach higher speeds than legal e-bikes, they were generally less powerful, slower, and lighter than today’s non-compliant e-bikes. Petrol-powered bikes had one safety advantage: the engine noise served as a warning to others.

Modern high-powered e-bikes lack even this minimal safeguard. They can reach high speeds while remaining nearly silent, allowing heavy, fast-moving vehicles to approach pedestrians or other riders with almost no warning. This makes them more dangerous than the petrol-powered bikes that were banned.

The environmental aspect also warrants closer examination. Traditional bicycles remain among the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. E-bikes, however, use electricity, placing extra demand on energy systems. More significantly, they rely on lithium-ion batteries that degrade and must be disposed of, creating environmental costs often ignored in broader discussions.

This is not an argument against all e-bikes. When properly regulated and within legal limits, pedal-assist bicycles offer real benefits, especially for older riders or those commuting longer distances. The concern is the increasing number of high-powered, non-compliant bikes and the lack of enforcement regarding their use.

Vehicles with motorcycle-level speed should be regulated as motorcycles. This requires appropriate regulation, licensing, and restrictions on their use. Allowing these vehicles in the bicycle infrastructure undermines the original purpose of that system and introduces unnecessary dangers.

A more responsible approach is to encourage young riders to develop skills on standard bicycles before moving to regulated vehicles as they mature. Without clearer rules and enforcement, the distinction between bicycles and motor vehicles will continue to fade, and the consequences are already evident on our streets.
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Responsibility is another key issue that deserves attention. If an e-bike is imported and fails to meet Australian standards, such as lacking speed limits or exceeding power restrictions, the primary responsibility should rest with the rider, or with the rider’s guardian or parents if the rider is under 18. If a non-compliant e-bike is purchased from an Australian retailer, the retailer should be held accountable. However, if the buyer is aware that the bike is non-compliant, responsibility should be shared between the buyer and the seller. Retailers have a duty to ensure that what they sell complies with national regulations. In private second-hand sales, responsibility typically falls on the buyer, as private sellers are not subject to the same standards and obligations as businesses. In Australia, a legal e-bike must be pedal-assist, with the motor disengaging at around 25–30 km/h. When a bike is heavier and capable of much higher speeds, it aligns more closely with a motorcycle than a bicycle. Such vehicles should be excluded from bike paths and footpaths, or regulated for road use under proper licensing and registration.]]>Sat, 13 Dec 2025 11:07:23 GMThttps://www.marcusmark.org/document-security-legal-risks-australian-issues-analysis/queensland-and-the-return-of-developer-donationsToday, I read an article on MSN, via ABC News Brisbane, reporting that the Queensland Government has introduced legislation to lift a ban that previously prevented property developers from making political donations, including donations to Queensland councils. Other Australian states recognise, based on ethical and common-sense principles, that allowing property developers to donate to councils creates serious conflicts of interest, particularly where rezoning and planning approvals are involved. Restrictions on property developer political donations have also been upheld as constitutionally valid by the High Court of Australia in comparable cases, reinforcing the legitimacy of such bans.
When corruption in Queensland is discussed, those familiar with the state’s history often point to the Bjelke-Petersen era of the 1970s and 1980s, as its foundation. I would go further and argue that corruption did not begin in that period but rather became publicly visible then. The Bjelke-Petersen years effectively gave Queensland corruption a date stamp, even though widespread corruption had existed long before, likely dating back to the colonial era.
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Queensland increasingly behaves more like a separate country than a state within Australia. It never truly embraced federation in practice, and the Queensland Government does not meaningfully answer to federal authority. This lack of accountability affects the entire nation. Housing prices are artificially inflated, particularly at the expense of younger generations and those who do not own homes and are already struggling with rent. 
At the same time, developers will now be permitted to legally and publicly donate money to councillors. Many have long suspected that similar influence existed behind closed doors during the ban, with ordinary people ultimately bearing the cost.

These issues extend beyond politics into the legal system itself. Queensland’s Supreme Court and legal services sector operate with limited effective oversight, regulated by bodies that often appear to protect the legal profession of which they are a part, rather than serve the public interest. Queensland is also the only Australian state without an upper house of parliament, leaving it without a key layer of legislative scrutiny and accountability. The system resembles a school with no principal and no independent oversight from the education department.

Policy decisions that favour developers have contributed to inflated housing prices, with many ordinary Queenslanders bearing the consequences. For a significant portion of the lower-income population, there is little recourse or protection, reinforcing a political culture in which dissent is discouraged and accountability is rare.

It is also important to note that the Planning and Environment Court, which hears challenges to council decisions and oversees rezoning and development matters across Queensland, is based in Brisbane and forms part of Queensland’s Supreme Court system. In practice, this has raised concerns that outcomes can depend heavily on legal strategy and access to well-resourced and influential lawyers, whether acting for developers or councils. For ordinary residents seeking to challenge nearby developments, particularly those without the means to engage such representation, the system can appear heavily weighted against them. Allowing property developers to donate to councils only complicates this landscape further, intensifying concerns about fairness, accountability, and access to justice.

© Marcus Mark, MarcusMark.org. All rights reserved.
Note: This article reflects personal opinion and commentary, based on publicly available information at the time of writing, and does not constitute legal advice.]]>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 04:33:04 GMThttps://www.marcusmark.org/document-security-legal-risks-australian-issues-analysis/mcdonalds-proposal-noravilleUpdate – 23 November 2025 at 10 am
(Please read this update before the original post, which commences below it.)

I attended the protest held at the corner of Main and Evans Road, Toukley / Noraville. Around one hundred people were present. Many carried signs opposing the development, while others attended without signage. The residents I spoke with were locals, and they expressed their concerns respectfully and clearly. The development proposal is located on the corner of Main and Evans Roads, on the border between Toukley and Noraville NSW 2263.

The key points raised by those opposed to the development were:

1: Concerns about safety in the immediate area.

2: The need to protect the livelihood of nearby cafés, restaurants and takeaway businesses.

3: The fact that the proposed McDonald’s would operate 24 hours.

4: The site is not yet approved and is still under assessment, meaning McDonald’s can withdraw as they have only paid a deposit.

5: The proposed design has a small carpark, which many consider insufficient.

6: The plan includes just one toilet (unisex and disabled), not a fully serviced bathroom like larger McDonald’s locations such as Lake Haven.

After speaking with residents, I believe these concerns are valid and reasonable. This new information does soften parts of my original post and makes some issues clearer. However, it does not invalidate the broader considerations raised in my original post.

The development application has been in the assessment stage for longer than usual and, as a couple of protestors mentioned to me, it remains unapproved at this time. Although delays can occur for many different reasons, this may suggest that Council is still working through viability or suitability considerations for the site. This possibility aligns with some of the concerns raised by protestors and reinforces the importance of examining all perspectives carefully.

I remain neutral on this proposal. My aim is simply to provide balanced information, encourage discussion and help the community think through both the positive and negative aspects. I encourage anyone reading this to also review the original post below and share their thoughts. All respectful and relevant comments will be approved for display on this website, in the interest of transparency, balance and neutrality.

ORIGINAL POST, BELOW:

​We will gather on Sunday, 23 November 2025, to express our views on the proposed McDonald’s development in Toukley/Noraville. This proposal has divided opinions within our community, and it is important to understand both the concerns and the potential benefits.

Concerns About the Development
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A key concern is the effect on nearby cafés, restaurants and takeaway shops. The local food scene in Toukley, Noraville and Norah Head is an important part of the area’s identity, and these businesses contribute significantly to its culture and character. It is reasonable to expect stronger competition for some operators, particularly those offering quick-service food. This deserves honest acknowledgement, as supporting local businesses is vital for maintaining the area’s diversity and vibrancy. One constructive approach is for Council to allow more visible, striking signage for local food businesses so drivers and pedestrians can easily locate them. McDonald’s could also contribute to community goodwill by offering funding for upgraded signage for nearby cafés and restaurants, including illuminated night-time signage that improves visibility at all hours. This will be a negligible cost to McDonald's, while helping potentially affected businesses maintain strong visibility and benefit from the increased traffic McDonald’s will generate, particularly during early morning and late-evening periods when the local operators are closed. With careful planning, cooperation and fair adjustments, McDonald’s does not need to disadvantage existing local businesses. Increased exposure and improved signage can in fact strengthen the entire precinct and help support long-term viability for all businesses nearby.

Arguments in Support of the Development

The previous smash repair workshop on this site was a light industrial operation, involving large truck deliveries of repaired vehicles on local roads. This created greater hazards and inconvenience than anything a family-friendly restaurant is likely to introduce. Replacing a light industrial use with a standard commercial use is a clear improvement in both safety and amenity, especially considering that residents tolerated the previous operation for many years. McDonald’s also provides structured employment pathways for young people, offering training, routine, supervision and confidence-building opportunities close to home. The restaurant offers a family-friendly environment, convenient dining options and community amenities such as toilets, baby-changing facilities and accessible spaces that benefit both locals and visitors. Playgrounds at most McDonald’s sites add value, particularly in an area with limited child-friendly facilities, where they can be left unsupervised at most times.

McDonald’s may also indirectly support nearby businesses. Families who visit McDonald’s may then walk to local cafés for a coffee or dessert, particularly if their children remain occupied in the playground. Access to amenities encourages people to remain in the precinct longer rather than returning home, increasing the likelihood that they will explore other shops. It is also important to note that local cafés and McDonald’s attract different customer bases. With thoughtful planning and adequate visibility for local operators, increased foot traffic can benefit everyone.

A further point in favour of McDonald’s is the strong corporate oversight that ensures operational standards are consistently maintained. This creates a more structured and orderly environment around the site and within the local community. In recent years, Toukley and surrounding suburbs have seen increased unsafe behaviour on the roads, including motorised bicycles well exceeding legal speeds on footpaths, unlicensed motorbikes travelling at high speeds down Main Road and various antisocial incidents. A professionally run business with clear protocols can introduce a stabilising influence in an area where enforcement has become inconsistent.

Benefits for Surrounding Businesses and Locals

As a commercial zone, one realistic alternative to a McDonald’s would be for the land to be developed into additional shops. In practice, this would almost certainly mean more food outlets or convenience-style stores, because these are the types of businesses most commonly attracted to small commercial parcels like this one. Such developments would compete far more directly with the existing cafés, restaurants and takeaway shops in Toukley, Noraville and Norah Head. Independent operators often overlap heavily in their menus, pricing and style of service, which can intensify competition and place greater strain on long-established local businesses. By contrast, McDonald’s has a fixed and predictable menu that does not imitate the unique offerings of local cafés and restaurants. This means McDonald’s is far less likely to threaten their individuality, allowing local businesses to continue building their own character, cuisine and loyal customer base without being copied or undercut in the same way that a new independent food outlet might.
If McDonald’s attracts more visitors to the area, nearby businesses will benefit beyond what they do now through a proactive approach. Facilities such as public toilets and seating encourage people to remain in the area longer, supporting surrounding shops. The development fits the existing zoning and could activate the precinct, making it more lively and economically resilient.

For locals, a McDonald’s ensures convenient access to a fast-food option at all hours, not just during standard business times, while also helping keep the area active and connected to the broader food and café culture.

With upgraded and more noticeable signage, particularly night-time signage, local food businesses will directly benefit from the increased visibility. Non-food businesses will also benefit by default through greater foot traffic and increased awareness generated by the additional activity in the area.
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Traffic and Safety Considerations

Traffic congestion around schools can sometimes have a calming effect by naturally slowing vehicles and reducing the severity of potential accidents. Congestion during school peak times is unlikely to increase substantially beyond existing levels. 

Another point raised in the community relates to previous road fatalities in the area. In reality, this concern actually supports the case for the development. A commercial site like McDonald’s naturally slows traffic by increasing awareness, reducing vehicle speeds and encouraging more cautious driving. Slower traffic is a proven safety advantage, particularly near schools. The level of congestion already present at peak school times is unlikely to increase substantially, but the presence of a well-managed site can improve overall road behaviour.

It is also important to acknowledge the broader decline in road safety across Toukley and surrounding suburbs. Electric bicycles routinely travel well above legal limits on footpaths and verges; unlicensed motorbikes frequently speed along Main Road and antisocial behaviour such as objects being thrown from vehicles has become increasingly common. Police enforcement has dropped significantly, and unsafe practices have persisted for more than a decade without meaningful intervention. A well-supervised business like McDonald’s brings lighting, surveillance, routine activity and strong corporate standards that discourage this behaviour. Its presence can promote better monitoring of the surrounding area and contribute to a safer environment for families and residents.

Other Considerations

Some misconceptions have been raised about environmental impacts, particularly concerning wildlife. Research and experience show that 24-hour lighting often assists bird species, including Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoos, by providing reference points for navigation during low-light hours. Most bird species do not see well at night, and illuminated areas can help them move more safely through environments already shaped by human development. In this context, the lighting associated with McDonald’s is more likely to support local wildlife movement than harm it.

Health-related concerns are also frequently misunderstood. While some people are more prone to gaining weight, others are susceptible to weight loss, including individuals living with medical conditions or undergoing treatment. Higher-calorie foods can be beneficial in those circumstances. If McDonald’s products posed a proven and severe population-wide health risk, such businesses would not be allowed to operate. Public health outcomes depend on personal choice, balance and broader lifestyle habits rather than the presence of a single restaurant.

It is also worth noting that arguments about nearby homes do not carry strong weight. Residents regularly drive through residential streets to reach shopping centres such as Lake Haven and Tuggerah. Those developments are accepted as part of community growth, and the same principle applies here. Commercial and residential land uses commonly exist side by side and will continue to do so as the region grows.

The more constructive approach is for local cafés and restaurants to strengthen their visibility, particularly through improved signage and marketing. McDonald’s presence will bring additional traffic at times when local operators are closed, meaning their upgraded signage would be visible long before and long after their trading hours. This can increase awareness and attract more customers over time. Council approval for clearer, more noticeable signage and lighting for local businesses, potentially supported or funded by McDonald’s, would help ensure they benefit from the increased activity rather than be disadvantaged by it.

After reviewing the site myself, I have not found any credible evidence to support the objections currently being raised. When safety, wildlife considerations, economic factors and long-term community behaviour are examined closely, the benefits outweigh the concerns. My intention is to help ensure local cafés and restaurants secure fair support and improved visibility so they can thrive alongside McDonald’s rather than be overshadowed by it.
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Conclusion

While no viable development at this site will be free from controversy, this proposal offers a practical and balanced outcome. McDonald’s provides youth employment, community amenities, a cleaner and safer use of the land and potential benefits for surrounding businesses when supported by thoughtful adjustments such as improved signage for local food businesses. It replaces an unsuitable industrial operation with a commercial use that aligns with zoning and has the potential to energise the precinct rather than burden it. Through cooperation between McDonald’s, Council and local businesses, the development can be shaped in a way that supports the local economy rather than undermines it.
Local residents can also contribute positively by continuing to support the cafés and restaurants they value, treating McDonald’s as an additional option rather than a replacement.

I emphasise that I am not campaigning for or against the proposal but encouraging a fair, well-reasoned and informed discussion. Open dialogue between residents and McDonald’s gives our community the best chance of achieving a positive outcome. 

Policing in the area is not what it once was, and much of this is linked to growing economic pressure. Many officers today are younger and facing the same cost-of-living challenges as everyone else. When people struggle to secure housing or stability, morale declines and enforcement become inconsistent. While this does not excuse the lack of enforcement on Main Road, it helps explain how the situation has deteriorated. A well-managed commercial presence like McDonald’s can help stabilise behaviour in areas where enforcement has slipped. Their presence also encourages more consistent oversight from authorities who recognise the need to maintain a safe trading environment. This can help create a safer, more supervised precinct for families, workers and residents who use the area every day.

​My intention is to help nearby food businesses gain council approval and the right to install more noticeable, lit-up signage at no cost to them, provided as a complimentary support measure associated with the McDonald’s development. This assistance would apply specifically to cafés and restaurants, as the aim is to support their prosperity and strengthen their position, while non-food businesses will naturally benefit from the increased activity in the area without needing additional signage.
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I am not advocating for McDonald’s or opposing it; my intention is only to acknowledge the practical realities and help the community consider the matter with clarity and balance. 

Remember, we do not live under a perfect system, and in fact we are far from it. Many public debates begin with quick impressions rather than careful research, and it is important that we look at issues like this with depth, evidence and genuine consideration. Good planning relies on clear thinking and an understanding of the broader picture, and that is the approach I hope this discussion encourages.
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© Marcus Mark, MarcusMark.org. All rights reserved.]]>