The BP at the corner of Marine Drive and Nepean Highway has put in planning permits to become a "mega site" including a new Fast Food restaurant with suggestions that it may be a McDonalds.

Over the last week I've seen many people commenting on Facebook about how to lodge an objection to this expansion, but what do you do if you support the idea?

First, let's start with the BP itself. It's simply too small for the number of people that currently use it, especially so during the Summer holiday season. It's not uncommon to see a queue of cars blocking up Nepean Highway waiting to get in, which is a nightmare for locals who simply want to turn left into Marine Parade. A "mega site" would have the space and the parking to solve this problem. But the core issue here is the McDonalds. Do we want one in the area?

• There is already a McDonalds in both Rosebud and Mornington.
  Although it's not to everybody's taste, the simple truth is McDonalds is popular. Having one in Dromana would reduce carbon emissions and reduce local's petrol bills.
• Many people have mentioned the increase in rubbish.
  Have you been for a walk along Safety Beach or Dromana foreshore lately? McDonalds rubbish is recognisable, but the beaches are already littered with trash from people who can't seem to use a bin. Another food outlet in the area won't change this. In fact, it will likely improve, as McDonalds will keep the immediate area around their restaurant clean, something currently only done by the local council.
• It will bring more jobs to the area.
  A 24 hour McDonalds needs a lot of staff and will bring in a lot of work for the local community, especially late teens, early 20's. Having McDonalds on your resume is seen by many employers as a fantastic start and will help locals progress to other opportunities more easily. This is especially important while we are still suffering the employment effects of Coronavirus.
• But won't it affect local businesses? Not likely. 
  Nobody chooses a Maccas breakfast over a proper cafe fry up. Nobody chooses a Big Mac over a restaurant burger. The simple truth is the customers of the local cafes and restaurants aren't likely to be the same customers who will choose McDonalds. A scientific study done on Monbulk and Tecoma actually proved this.
  Link to Research Paper
• Could it kill the Dromana Drive-In? Again, not likely.
  There are only 3 drive-ins left in Melbourne Metro, and as we all know, the drive-in is an experience that cannot be replicated at home to matter how good your Home Theatre is. People already drive long distances to visit and already often bring hot fast food. Having a McDonalds just down the road may add to this slightly, but once again the quality of food at the drive-in is a very different standard to Maccas or KFC. And let's not forget everybody's favourite: McDonalds doesn't sell popcorn.
  
  This final point could also easily be solved by the management of Dromana Drive-In. If they do see a significant dip in cafe sales. Ban outside hot food. It's what Village does, and I don't think many of us would have an issue with such a decision. Sure, some people will still sneak food in, just the same as some people just can't social distance. Not everybody does the right thing. It's human nature.

In my opinion, and the opinion of many other locals I have spoken to, the pros of this expansion far outway the cons. Let's not stop a few loud voices from improving our wonderful community.