Castlemaine, a vibrant community rich in local character, faces the spectre of a McDonald's opening in our beloved town. As residents, we cherish our independent cafes and family-owned restaurants—businesses that lend Castlemaine its unique charm and keep our local economy thriving. The introduction of a global chain could siphon business away from these establishments, altering the fabric of our community.

But this isn't just about preserving local character; it’s about protecting our safety and environment too. The proposed location for the McDonald's is near local schools and residential estates. This raises serious concerns about increased traffic congestion and dangerous vehicle queues, putting pedestrians—especially schoolchildren—at risk.

Moreover, the environmental impact cannot be ignored. Fast-food outlets are notorious for contributing to excessive packaging waste, which can litter our streets and harm the local biodiversity that we hold dear. Light and noise pollution from a 24/7 drive-thru could further disturb the peace we enjoy in our town.

It's crucial that we make our voices heard to show that Castlemaine does not want or need a McDonald's. Our town is unique, and we must protect it from becoming another stop for a fast-food giant that sees no difference between small towns and big cities.

Sign this petition to urge our local council to reject the proposal for a McDonald's in Castlemaine. Let’s stand together for the safety, environmental sanctity, and local economy of Castlemaine.