Saying no to a McDonald’s in Cowes on Phillip Island isn’t about hating burgers—it’s about protecting what makes this place globally significant and uniquely local. Phillip Island is internationally recognised for its wildlife and fragile coastal ecosystems, drawing visitors for its penguins, wetlands and rugged beauty, not another symbol of late-stage American globalisation. Dropping a multinational fast-food chain into a small seaside town risks eroding local character, siphoning money away from local businesses, and imposing environmental challenges.

Bass Coast Shire Council holds the power to protect our community from such over-commercialisation. With the authority to control the planning permit, the council can reject the proposed McDonald’s development on legitimate local grounds. From increased traffic congestion to potential adverse effects on our cherished biodiversity, there are numerous reasons to stand against this. Local businesses, the backbone of our community, deserve the chance to thrive without the shadow of a global corporation undermining them.

Studies consistently show that local businesses reinvest a higher percentage of their earnings back into the community compared to large multinational corporations. Choosing to support them means bolstering our local economy, enhancing job creation, and fostering a collaborative community spirit unique to Cowes. Moreover, maintaining the unique charm of Cowes isn’t just important for residents—it’s essential for sustaining the very tourism industry that our economy heavily relies on.

By rejecting this development, Bass Coast Shire Council can send a powerful message about community values and sustainable development. We need to prioritise long-term ecological preservation and local economic health over short-term corporate profits. Please sign this petition to urge Bass Coast Shire Council to protect Phillip Island from this inappropriate development and preserve the cherished character of Cowes for future generations.