Speaker my question is to the Planning Minister.
How can our planning framework better moderate the proliferation of fast-food outlets like the McDonald’s slated for Northcote, and instead promote healthier communities?
Earlier this year, Labor passed major reforms to Victoria’s planning laws which, for the first time, recognise health and wellbeing as a core objective in planning decisions.
It’s created an important opportunity to consider how planning can better support nutrition and help prevent chronic disease.
In Northcote, we see firsthand why this matters. A new McDonald’s is set to open just 50 metres from Northcote Primary School.
The community doesn’t want it – we know multinational fast-food outlets have a disproportionate influence on food environments and everyday nutritional choices.
But as it’s in a commercial zone it’s been difficult to contest.
In the UK and Ireland, no fry zones around schools have helped curb the expansion of fast-food and encourage healthier communities.
I would like to see our planning system do more heavy lifting on this front and look forward to the Minister’s response.
