Residents gear up to keep McDonald's out of 'slow' town

The coastal town of Goolwa, south of Adelaide, is a thriving community with a rich heritage and international recognition as a "slow city." However, this idyllic setting may soon be threatened by the arrival of a McDonald's fast-food outlet. A property under contract has been identified for the construction of the first McDonald's in Goolwa, a town already home to 38 eating establishments.

Olaf Hansen, founder of Bombora On The River, a local restaurant, expressed concern that the addition of a fast-food chain would not only disrupt the town's character but could also exacerbate staffing challenges for existing businesses. Alexandrina Council Mayor Keith Parkes confirmed that the council is aware of the planned application and that the property, which is currently an automotive repair facility, would undergo a change of use.

The Fleurieu Regional Assessment Panel will be responsible for assessing the application. Cittaslow Goolwa, a volunteer group committed to preserving the town's food and cultural identity, opposes the proposed McDonald's. Vice-president Christine Putland emphasized that the town already boasts a diverse array of local restaurants, including Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, German, and a renowned fish-and-chip shop, and that there is no need or benefit in introducing another fast-food chain.