Reject Maccas, says Green

Central Coast Greens candidate Ms Kate da Costa is calling on Gosford Council to reject the application to build a fast food restaurant in Umina that will be considered at its meeting on Tuesday, August 7.

"John Bruning and his group collected 3000 signatures in the local area, many from small business owners very worried that the large development would spell the end for the small food and cafe outlets of West St," said Ms da Costa.

"The DCP for the Peninsula describes Umina as one of the villages, to be characterised by small boutique shops.

"Woy Woy is the town centre, in the DCP, and that is the appropriate place for the McDonalds, which in fact already exists there.

"The Peninsula does not need two McDonalds, due to public health concerns alone, when the Government is spending millions on countering poor eating habits and obesity.

"This would suggest that we need fewer not more fast food outlets.

"Furthermore the application is to have opening hours which are completely out of character for the area, 5am opening 7 days a week, closing 10pm Sunday to Thursday and 1 am Friday and Saturday.

"Surely people desperate for a burger at midnight can get to Woy Woy.

"Community concerns about littering and anti-social behaviour have apparently been addressed in a McDonald's authored management plan, but the community which has to live with litter and vandalism has had no say in this.

"We call on the Council to reject this application as being completely out of character for Umina, and not necessary on the Peninsula," said Ms da Costa.

Media Release, 3 Aug 2012

Kate da Costa, Central Coast Greens