As a local community member, dietitian and business owner in Strathalbyn, SA, I deeply care about our community's health, mental wellbeing, and the safety of our children. The proposed development of a major fast-food outlet in our town threatens these crucial aspects of our life.

Ultra Processed Foods, like those found in fast food chains, have a direct link to health and mental health issues.

The high calorie density, poor nutritional content and addictive additives in their meals are destructive to our wellbeing with increased likelihood of respiratory conditions in adolescents, greater risk of depression, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, frailty, IBS, cardiovascular diseases and cancers. High consumption is also being found to be associated with high cholesterol in children and metabolic syndrome in adolescents according to a meta-analysis and systematic review (Lane et al., 2020).

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports that around 66% of Australian adults and 28% of children and adolescents are considered overweight or obese (Overweight and Obesity, Summary, 2024). A risk factor that can be exacerbated by easy access to fast food. 

Also, 19% of Australians that were between 15 and 17 years old were estimated to be diagnosed with depression, anxiety or any other mental illness in 2021. (Prevalence and Impact of Mental Illness - Mental Health, 2024), which as mentioned earlier, studies have found an association between excessive Ultra Processed Foods consumption and higher instances of depression and anxiety.

The establishment of a fast food restaurant in Strathalbyn will increase access and thus affect the health and wellbeing of our community.

The proposed location of this establishment also raises significant concerns. 

Situated on the intersection of two busy roads and next to a train line with no pedestrian crossing, it clearly poses safety risks, particularly for children. Three schools are in walking distance of this location, magnifying the potential hazards posed to our young ones.

I love Strathalbyn and its unique character that's been shaped by local businesses and community spirit, not large chains focused solely on profit. I hope to preserve this character for current and future generations.

For the well-being of our community, our children, and our health and mental health, this petition requests a halt to this fast food development in Strathalbyn, SA. 

Please sign this petition and join us in protecting Strathalbyn's health and safety.

References:

[1] Lane, M. M., Davis, J. A., Beattie, S., Gómez‐Donoso, C., Loughman, A., O’Neil, A., Jacka, F., Berk, M., Page, R., Marx, W., & Rocks, T. (2020). Ultraprocessed food and chronic noncommunicable diseases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of 43 observational studies. Obesity Reviews, 22(3). https://doi.org/10.1111/obr.13146

[2] Prevalence and impact of mental illness - Mental health. (2024, February 14). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/mental-health/overview/prevalence-and-impact-of-mental-illness

[3] Overweight and obesity, Summary. (2024, June 17). Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/overweight-obesity/overweight-and-obesity/contents/overweight-and-obesity