HUNDREDS are expected to turn out this Sunday — with shovels in hand — in protest against a McDonald’s restaurant being built in Tecoma.
Angry protesters will gather at the Burwood Highway site — which has been approved for the development of the fast-food chain — and build a mass community garden.
It follows the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal’s decision this week to grant a permit for the McDonald’s food giant to build on the site, despite strong community opposition.
It will be the first McDonald's outlet for the suburb.
McDonald’s had appealed to the VCAT after Yarra Ranges Council last year refused its application to open a store on Burwood Highway.
A group of locals have rallied followers via Facebook and Twitter, with more than 400 people expected to attend the protest.
Campaign supporters are planning to bring an assortment of plants ranging from vegetables to native trees. There will also be a party held at the site on Saturday night.
Davey Heller, who co-created the event via Facebook, said plans were evolving quickly.
‘‘There will be lots of activities and families there on the day. This is about the encroachment of the suburbs into the special area of the hills.
‘‘We want to reclaim our local democracy and stop this Maccas from being built.’’
Community members against the fast-food chain have also started two petitions on the change.org website.
Each has more than 800 online signatures.