McDonald’s Australia, a unit of McDonald’s Australia Holdings Ltd, part of U.S.-based fast foods company McDonald’s Corp., plans to invest $500 million in its expansion projects over the next three years.

McDonald’s Australia has set aside $200 million for the New South Wales market.

The investment also includes a $350 million plan to open 45 new restaurants in Sydney and Melbourne and regional areas.

The company said that an extra $150 million has been earmarked for 20 stores in Melbourne's fast-growing suburbs.