Castlemaine residents determined to protect their town from a McDonald’s store are joining forces with other communities across Victoria in a statewide fight to stop the spread of multi-national fast-food outlets.
The MAC OFF – Protect Castlemaine campaign is joining the ‘Not Lovin’ It!’ campaign that arose after Darebin City Council rejected a proposed 24-hour McDonald’s on Northcote High Street, only for the decision to be overturned through the planning appeals process.
Both campaigns are calling on Premier Ben Carroll and the Victorian Government to support David Ettershank MP’s Planning Amendment (Restricting New Fast-Food Developments) Bill 2026.
The legislation would give councils stronger powers to refuse new fast-food developments where they conflict with community health, neighbourhood character and local planning objectives.
‘Not Lovin’ It’ campaign organiser Andy Miller said the issue extended far beyond its local Northcote origins.
“This is not about one McDonald’s restaurant – it’s about whether local communities have any meaningful say over the future of their neighbourhoods,” Mr Miller said.
“The Victorian government could be leading the nation by championing and implementing this important planning amendment.”
In Victoria’s election year, the Victorian Liberal Party, Greens, Animal Justice Party and Legalise Cannabis Party have all made statements regarding the need to ensure locals have improved rights when it comes to planning decisions.
MAC OFF – Protect Castlemaine campaign coordinator Vicki Anderson said the Victorian government should support stronger planning controls that would enable councils to take a more active role in shaping healthy communities.
“Castlemaine now joins a long line of communities across Australia trying to protect important town and suburb sites from the impacts of McDonald’s outlets, having to navigate the inadequate planning controls currently in place,” she said.
“We want to protect our blend of unique local businesses and enterprises, and our reputation for creativity, artisan produce and cultural heritage, which our shire’s annual $364 million tourism industry and UNESCO Creative City and Region of Gastronomy designation is based upon.
“We appreciate that some people like the convenience of McDonald’s but the health and wellbeing of the whole community needs to be protected – our economy, environment and our unique cultural heritage and character,” Ms Anderson said.
Residents, health advocates, local businesses and supporters from across central Victoria will gather dressed in red, yellow, sky blue and black at the proposed site (72-80 Forest Street) in Castlemaine at 5pm on September 9 on Vote for Food Day – a national initiative coordinated by Sustain: The Australian Food Network.