Dear Residents of Shellharbour and Supporters,

We are writing this petition to express our deep concern about the proposed development of fast-food chains including KFC, McDonald's, and Guzman Y Gomez (GYG) in our beloved town of Shellharbour. Whilst we understand the potential economic benefits these developments may bring, we believe it's crucial to consider the potential negative impacts on our community, environment, and local character.

Shellharbour, once a small coastal town, is known for its unique charm, community spirit, and natural beauty. The proposed development threatens to disrupt this, potentially leading to increased traffic congestion, strain on local resources, and a decrease in the quality of life due to factors such as noise and pollution.

Moreover, the introduction of these fast-food chains could detract from the aesthetic appeal of our town, replacing our unique local character with the uniformity of global fast-food brands. This could potentially have a negative impact on residential property values. The increased congestion and the incongruity of these chains with the character of our town could make properties less attractive to potential buyers, thereby affecting their value.

We are deeply concerned about the environmental impact of such large-scale developments. Coastal towns like Shellharbour are often rich in biodiversity, and construction activities can disrupt local ecosystems. Moreover, the introduction of fast-food chains can contribute to health issues due to the typically high calorie, fat, sugar, and salt content of fast food. Additionally, these establishments often generate significant amounts of waste, which could further harm our environment.

We urge the local government and planning authorities to consider these potential negative impacts before approving these developments. We request a comprehensive impact assessment and public consultation to ensure that the voices of Shellharbour's residents are heard.

Please sign this petition if you share our concerns and want to preserve the character, environment, and reputation of Shellharbour. Together, we can ensure that our town continues to be a place we are proud to call home.

Whilst there is still time to act, as the developers are currently welcoming feedback, there is no guarantee that our concerns will be addressed. Therefore, it remains crucial for us to gather as many signatures as possible to demonstrate the strength of our community's opposition to this development.

We urge you to not only sign this petition but also to share it widely with your networks. Every signature counts and will help to preserve the character, environment, and reputation of Shellharbour.

In addition to signing this petition, we encourage you to provide feedback directly to the developers. You can do so in person or via an online survey:

In Person: Debbie Cosmos, Shellharbour Workers' Club Ltd. Phone: 02 4296 7155 Email: shellys@shellys.com.au

Online Survey: Visit the following URL: https://your-say.questionpro.com/1ALiddellStreetShellharbour

Please note that the survey will close at 8pm on Monday, 3 July 2023.

Thank you for your support.

Together, we can ensure that our town continues to be a place we are proud to call home.

Alternatives and what should be considered

• Support Local Businesses: Establish a local food market or a farmer's market where local vendors can sell their produce and products. This would not only support local businesses but also provide a unique dining and shopping experience for residents and visitors.
• Relocation of Fast-Food Chains: If fast-food chains are necessary, consider placing them in commercial areas like Stocklands Only 3km away.  Shellharbour, focus on developing unique dining experiences, such as farm-to-table restaurants or seafood establishments that highlight local produce.
• Sustainable Development Practices: Implement green building standards for any new development. This could include the use of renewable energy sources, water-efficient appliances, and sustainable building materials.
• Traffic Management Plan: Develop a cycle-sharing scheme or improve pedestrian paths to encourage non-motorised transportation, reducing traffic congestion and promoting a healthier lifestyle.
• Promotion of Nautical Tourism: Enhance the marketing of the existing marina to attract more tourists. Consider introducing hospitality options such as 5 star waterfront dining and shopping to make the marina district more appealing. With coastal tours!