Goolwa Residents Unite Against McDonald's in Battle for Local Character
The town of Goolwa, located south of Adelaide in Australia, is gearing up to resist the arrival of fast-food giant McDonald's. Goolwa has earned international accreditation as a 'slow city' and boasts 38 eating places, including restaurants serving Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and German cuisine.
According to local business owner Olaf Hansen, seafood specialist and founder of cafe and restaurant Bombora On The River, the town already struggles to find staff during peak summer periods. He questioned the need for another fast-food outlet in Goolwa, stating that it would 'wreck the character' of the town.
The property where McDonald's is planning to build has been sold under contract and will go before the Fleurieu Regional Assessment Panel (FRAP) instead of the council. Once an application is made, there will be a public consultation period, which could last two to three weeks.
Local architect Steve Grieve expressed concern that McDonald's would not bring anything unique or reflective of Goolwa's historic nature, stating that it would 'detract from a good environment significantly.'