Not lovin' it in Tecoma

A long-running feud has pitted protesters from a small town of 2,000 people in the shadows of Australia's temperate rainforest against one of the world's most recognisable brands. Tranquil Tecoma, 35km east of central Melbourne, has become a battleground between McDonald's and "community" protesters over the construction of a 24-hour drive-through restaurant. Opponents say the restaurant would be too close to a nursery and primary school, would damage other businesses, and disrupt the fabric of a leafy community known for its artists and wildlife. But despite such fierce opposition, McDonald's says it will press ahead. The company says: "We have followed due process every step of the way to build a family restaurant on a highway that houses a number of food and service outlets. The area is appropriately zoned, we have an approved planning permit, and we are moving forward. We know that there is much support in the community and our obligation is to ensure that those who want a McDonald's in the community have that option." Bollocks. Most of this "support" is coming from the bureaucrats running the show in Tecoma, who have bowled underarm just so McDonald's can have their way. This is not how a responsible city government should act.