By ALESHA CAPONE
BRIMBANK City Council’s administrators will ask police to increase surveillance of hoons and anti-social behaviour in Keilor Park, near a future McDonald’s restaurant.
At last week’s council meeting, the three Brimbank administrators voted in favour of allowing a 24-hour McDonald’s to be built on vacant land at 89 Keilor Park Dve, close to Thomsons Rd.
When built, the McDonald’s will have a drive-through, more than 110 seats and 39 car parking spaces.
Eighteen nearby residents and property owners have objected to the proposal on grounds including potential noise, smell, traffic congestion and safety, depreciation of property values, promotion of unhealthy food, trade competition, hoon driving and anti-social behaviour.
While the council administrators approved the McDonald’s development, they also voted to formally write to police and request increased surveillance and patrols in Keilor Park Dve, Thomsons Rd and the nearby industrial area.
Administrator Peter Lewinsky said they would ask for action “especially in regard to hoon driving and young people hanging around to make nuisances of themselves”.
Mr Lewinsky said the council has met with residents concerned about the development.
“We heard a number of concerns regarding hoon driving and speeding, as well as general amenity in the particular area,” he said.
Brimbank Police Inspector Chris Gilbert said police were “certainly aware of this area and it factors into our targeting of hoon behaviour”.
Earlier this month Brimbank police ran an operation targeting hoons which detected more than 150 drivers breaking the law.
“Despite the large size of the municipality we believe we have a good handle on the consistent problem areas and we target them regularly,” Insp Gilbert said.
A McDonald’s spokesperson said the company anticipated the Keilor Park business would provide between 80-100 full time, part time and casual jobs for residents.
“McDonald’s is proud to contribute to the local community everywhere we operate and we are looking forward to opening our doors to Keilor Park residents,” he said.
“The restaurant will also bring significant other benefits to the area, including sponsorship opportunities for sporting, community and charitable clubs, events and organisations.”
