A vocal group of primary and secondary school students from Castlemaine and surrounding districts gathered for the Kids Against Maccas rally in Castlemaine last Thursday afternoon.
About 300 young people, parents and supporters wearing anti-McDonald’s shirts and carrying placards picketed the site of the proposed McDonald’s restaurant on the corner of Forest and Hargraves streets at the entrance to town. Protesters voiced concerns about the potential impacts of the development, leading chants of “What do we want? No Maccas! When do we want it? Never!” and singing “No McDonald’s in this Town” to the tune of Old MacDonald Had a Farm.
McDonald’s Australia recently confirmed it had purchased the Castlemaine site (Express, May 26) and was exploring the opportunity to establish a restaurant to service the local community.
The land, formerly owned by Maxi IGA proprietor Brendan Blake, reportedly sold for $4.6 million.
A McDonald’s spokesperson said the proposed restaurant would represent an investment of more than $3.5 million and, if approved, create more than 100 local jobs and training opportunities across the Goldfields region, while providing additional support to community groups.
As news of the purchase spread, local children and teenagers expressed disappointment and concern about what a McDonald’s could mean for Castlemaine’s future.
The rally was organised by 11-year-old Wren Camilleri, who said young people would be among those most affected.
“I cried when I heard the news. I never imagined a Maccas here. We love our town being healthy and beautiful. Kids don’t want or need McDonald’s in town,” Wren said.
“I am worried about the impacts it would have on people’s health as the food is too high in sugars, salts and fats, but also on the environment. It is only a short distance from local schools and Forest Creek. What about the water bugs we learn about in school and the dragonflies?”
Fellow protester Ramona said it should be up to local residents to decide whether they wanted a McDonald’s.
“It should be the choice of people of this town if they want a Maccas,” she said, drawing applause from the crowd.
Tilly said Castlemaine’s character as a small country town would be undermined by increased traffic near schools, sporting facilities, the Farmers and Artists Markets, and the skatepark.
“We already have a lot of great food options here, cheaper and a lot healthier,” she said.
Lila agreed, saying, “It is not a highway or a city, it is a little town. It doesn’t belong here.”
Albi raised concerns about the impact on established trees bordering the site, while Sid remarked, “If you want Maccas you can just go to Bendigo.”
The students noted the proposed site is less than 250 metres from Castlemaine Primary School, two blocks from St Mary’s Primary School and intersects major walking and cycling routes used by local families. Five other schools are also located within a short distance.
They said promises of jobs for young people did little to ease their concerns, arguing a McDonald’s would alter the town’s character and sense of community. Other concerns included potential impacts on local businesses, increased traffic, noise, litter and environmental damage.
The group said communities across Australia were facing similar proposals.
“McDonald’s are making decisions that affect futures without listening to the people who live here. Communities, and especially kids, deserve a say about the kind of town they want,” the students said.
Videos from the rally posted on social media channels drew mixed reactions, with some supporting the students’ concerns and others welcoming the prospect of the fast-food giant coming to Castlemaine.
No planning application has yet been lodged with Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Mount Alexander Shire mayor Toby Heydon said council would assess any application on its planning merits, including environmental, social and economic considerations.
