Population 2,189 (2006) LGA(s) Shire of Yarra Ranges Area 180 ha Federal division Division of La Trobe | Postcode(s) 3160 Elevation 220 m Postal code 3160 | |
Location 33 km (21 mi) from Melbourne2 km (1 mi) from Belgrave | ||
Tecoma is a suburb in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, 34 km east from Melbourne's central business district. Its local government area is the Shire of Yarra Ranges. At the 2006 Census, Tecoma had a population of 2,189.
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Map of Tecoma VIC 3160, Australia
The suburb is named after the shrub Tecoma that grew in the area when the need was identified for a railway station for the timber mill that occupied the site where Tecoma Primary School now stands. The Post Office opened on 7 January 1929, closing in 1976.
Tecoma is a small suburb, nestled between Belgrave and Upwey, adjoining Sherbrooke Forest to the north. It is historically recognised as a foothill township of the Dandenong Ranges, an area of cultural significance and biodiversity.
McDonald's controversy
In 2011 a plan by the multinational fast food chain McDonald's to build a 24-hour takeaway restaurant in the main street of Tecoma was met with strong community opposition. The original application for planning approval was rejected by Yarra Ranges Shire Council however McDonald's launched a successful appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and was granted planning approval in October 2012. Construction began in July 2013 and subsequent community opposition and protest led to widespread media attention. Protests and media attention peaked in the final months of construction leading to the April 2014 opening of the store and included Victoria Police action against the protesters during construction and a large police presence on the opening day of the store.