McDonalds are still trying to get approval to set up on King St. Newtown. They got rejected in 2025 and have slightly amended their application (reduced hours) in the hope they'll get approval this time. But the reasons for rejecting it are still the same.

Let's stand up again and say NO!

Why it's a terrible idea:
- It would encourage unhealthy eating, especially among vulnerable people in our community
- There are already plenty of places to buy take-away food in Newtown. We need healthier low-cost options, not more fast food joints.
- McDonalds can afford to slowly strangle local cafés and eateries by offering super cheap food/coffee. Their aim is to kill off local competition so more people opt to buy their junk food.
- It would harm Newtown's character. Newtown is proud of its independent spirit and small, often quirky, local businesses.  #KeepNewtownWeird
- A 24/7 store would encourage late-night idiocy. The applicants themselves admit "there is potential for increased opportunity for crimes or anti-social behaviour (e.g. vandalism, graffiti, litter, excessive noise) at the site, particularly during night-time hours.
- This could threaten the safety of people who live behind King St.
- McDonalds will also have more orders delivered than other local eateries, meaning more delivery riders impacting pedestrians on King St.


Did you know ?
Newtown was the first place in Australia where a McDonalds had to close (1998) due to locals boycotting it. If we can do this once, we can do it again!

The City of Sydney Council recently (Oct 2025) rejected the application for a 24/7 McDonalds in Newtown.  
But McDonalds are trying again. So let's keep up the pressure!


You can have more impact by emailing a submission to City of Sydney council stating why you're opposed to this development :
dasubmissions@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au
[Mention RD/2025/585/B in the subject line]

Details of the proposal here:

Submissions are due Fri, Feb 13th 2026.

Thanks for supporting our local community.