McDonald’s Launches VCAT Appeal Over Rejected Northcote Restaurant

MELBOURNE : The battle for the soul of one of Melbourne’s trendiest inner-city streets is headed to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). McDonald’s Australia has officially lodged an appeal to overturn Darebin Council’s rejection of a proposed 24-hour outlet in the heart of Northcote.

The fast-food giant is seeking to transform a vacant, fire-damaged building at 323 High Street into a two-story restaurant. The move comes despite a fierce community campaign that saw 11,000 people sign a petition and Darebin councillors vote 6-3 against the permit in November.

In documents seen by the media, McDonald’s argues that the site is appropriately zoned for commercial use and meets all planning requirements. A spokesperson for McDonald’s Australia stated the company initiated proceedings to ensure the application is “fairly assessed on its merits.”

“We see strong potential in Northcote,” the spokesperson said. “The proposed restaurant represents an investment of more than $2 million and will mean more than 100 new local jobs, as well as more support for local community groups in the area.”

A view of High Street in Northcote, in Melbourne’s inner-north.

Local residents remain unconvinced. Salar Tavakoli, who was among the 110 formal objectors, expressed disappointment that the appeal was lodged over the holiday break, which he fears may have limited the community’s ability to respond.

“High Street is special because of the hardworking local businesses that built its unique vibe,” Tavakoli said. “Dropping a massive McDonald’s into that ecosystem does not fit. It is a single-lane street shared with trams… adding delivery traffic will make it unsafe for cyclists and pedestrians.”

Residents also raised concerns regarding parking scarcity and the potential for anti-social behavior, noting that a 24/7 outlet would be the only shop open all night in that specific stretch of the precinct.

Darebin Council has confirmed it is a party to the appeal and has notified all original objectors. The legal timeline is now set:

January 14, 2026.

April 14–17, 2026.

If successful, McDonald’s would secure its foothold in a suburb that has long resisted the encroachment of major international fast-food chains.