Concerns about potential crime and violence have led to significant community opposition against a proposed McDonald’s restaurant in Redfern. At a recent council meeting, the Local Planning Council made a unanimous decision to reject the development application for the fast-food outlet on Redfern Street.
Local residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the proposal, highlighted by loud cheers in the council chamber following the vote. From 286 public submissions, 269 were objections, which included strong resistance from local police and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. The police raised alarms about the possibility of increased noise and antisocial behaviour from the proposed 24-hour operation, fearing it would worsen existing crime issues in the area, particularly near the local train station.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel called attention to a lack of consultation with Indigenous community members, emphasising that the restaurant could undermine ongoing health initiatives. In light of these serious concerns, police and community representatives voiced their apprehensions about the impact the new fast-food outlet could have on the neighbourhood.
During the council meeting, a McDonald’s representative requested a six-week extension to address community concerns, arguing that many issues could be easily resolved. However, this appeal was denied, and the council upheld its original decision to refuse the application shortly after the hour-long hearing concluded.