By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
LARA will be served a McDonald’s restaurant, putting up to 50 jobs on the town’s menu.
Lara Chamber of Commerce president Lorel Robinson welcomed the jobs, particularly for Lara’s young people.
“It means jobs for our secondary school kids who can do with the pocket money, plus it’s money that stays in Lara instead of going to Corio or Geelong.
“It’s another business and the more the merrier because it entices more people to come into town.
“Some people might not like the name McDonald’s but Lara already has two hamburger stores, so it’s not like its bringing in something completely new.”
Ms Robinson said she was unsure whether the restaurant would be a 24-hour outlet.
“I hope it’s not 24-hour because that creates more noise and social impact.”
Ward councillor Tony Ansett said he had received some negative feedback to the announcement but most residents supported the development.
“You don’t have to shop in them but they do create a lot of jobs and in a town like this it will certainly get used.
“I’m not sure if it will be 24-hour but if it is it will be worth a lot more jobs, perhaps up to 100.
“McDonald’s is known for its training and it will give school kids an insight into the world of work.”
Cr Ansett said the McDonald’s development was part of the rejuvenation of Lara’s shopping precinct where new supermarkets and specialty stores will create 300 jobs.
“We’re on track to have everything open before Christmas,” he said.
The Lara McDonald’s was part of an eight-store announcement, with the fast food giant spending $62 million and creating 1000 jobs across Victoria.
State Treasurer Michael O’Brien said McDonald’s provided a great opportunity for young people to learn about teamwork, customer service and business operations while earning money.
McDonald’s also sourced produce such as beef, eggs, potatoes, lettuce and tomato locally, providing further support to businesses in the area.
The McDonald’s announcement came as new figures showed Geelong had the 16th worst rate of regional youth unemployment in Australia.
The Geelong region’s rate was 18.2 per cent, with Bendigo the only Victorian region to rank higher for youth joblessness.
