A tiny village called Tecoma in the Dandenong ranges (Vic) is waging a valiant battle against junk-food giant McDonalds in a community effort aimed at preventing destruction of a heritage street-scape to accommodate a proposed 24hr drive-thru franchise. Apparently, the area council banned the development in response to a 'NO VOTE' cast by 90% of the affected community.
Using their financial clout, Maccas took the matter to the Victorian Civil & Administration Tribunal (VCAT) which resulted in the council ban being overturned.
Ensuing demonstrations and blockades by action group supporters culminated yesterday in a large force of police and security personnel driving opponents away from the demolition site and, arrest of a young lady who had occupied the roof of the target building for the past week.
With the sniff of elections in the air, this clear evidence of grass-roots democracy being trampled by force isn't a great look for worthies putting themselves forward as trusted guardians of our so-called 'democratic' rights ... is it?
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