The Castlemaine community has been divided on the arrival of a McDonald's. About 100 children and parents, holding homemade signs in opposition, gathered at the proposed fast-food giant's site. This comes just days after McDonald's confirmed its plan to invest $3.5 million in the new restaurant.

The land on which McDonald's plans to build was purchased by the company for $4.62 million. The property records reveal Brendan Blake, a supermarket owner and resident of Toorak, Melbourne, sold the land in May. Mr. Blake owns a Maxi IGA on the opposite corner of the town's roundabout.

Mr. Blake said his decision to sell the land was due to the decline in his supermarket business since Woolworths opened near his store. The supermarket trade plummeted by 50% after the Woolworths location opened last year. Mr. Blake stated, "I needed the cash flow to come back into the business." He further explained, "I really hate to throw myself into the same mix as bringing a major [business] into Castlemaine, but this is what I've had to do to keep the store open."

The Mount Alexander Shire Council has not received a planning application for the site. According to the council spokesperson, "Planning applications are assessed against the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme, which is a public document available on our website, for anyone who might want to look at what it sets out."

The protest has raised concerns about the health implications of a McDonald's in Castlemaine. "It's such unhealthy food, it's right across from a school and a sports ground, and where the farmers' market is," said Wren, an 11-year-old resident. Her brother, Alby, added, "There's been a load of arguments at our school about not having Maccas or having Maccas."

The Castlemaine community has been divided on the issue. Some residents support the new McDonald's, while others, like the protesting group, remain opposed. The fate of the proposed restaurant remains uncertain.

McDonald's recently won a court battle in April to overturn a council's rejection of its plans for a 24/7 fast-food restaurant at Northcote, in Melbourne's inner north. The company invested over $3.5 million in the site. McDonald's also invested over $100 million in new restaurants across Australia in 2025, aiming to expand its presence in regional towns.

A group of Castlemaine residents plan to submit a petition against the proposed fast-food restaurant. The group aims to collect 500 signatures before presenting it to the council. Castlemaine has a population of approximately 8,500 residents. The town is known for its historic significance and natural beauty. The proposed McDonald's has sparked a heated debate among residents about the character of the town.

The Mount Alexander Shire Council's planning scheme is a public document available on their website. The scheme sets out the principles for assessing planning applications. The proposed McDonald's is not the only fast-food option in Castlemaine, but it would be the first McDonald's in the town if built.

Some residents welcome the potential economic boost, while others express concerns about the impact on the town's character. Local business owners have mixed views on the proposed McDonald's. Some believe it could bring in more customers, while others fear it could harm existing businesses. The Mount Alexander Shire Council has not responded to queries about the potential impact of the McDonald's on local businesses.

The proposed McDonald's has sparked concerns about the town's heritage. Some residents worry that the new restaurant could damage the town's historic character. In a response to the concerns, the Mount Alexander Shire Council stated that planning applications are assessed against the Mount Alexander Planning Scheme. The scheme is a public document available on the council's website.

The Castlemaine community will likely have the final say on the issue. A group of residents will submit a petition against the proposed fast-food restaurant, with the aim of collecting 500 signatures before presenting it to the council.

### Key Facts

  • $4.62 million: The price McDonald's paid for the land.
  • 100: The number of children and parents protesting against the McDonald's.
  • $3.5 million: The amount McDonald's plans to invest in the new restaurant.
  • 8,500: The population of Castlemaine.
  • $100 million: The amount McDonald's invested in new restaurants across Australia in 2025.

Castlemaine's historic significance and natural beauty are part of its character. The town's residents take pride in its past and present. The proposed McDonald's has sparked a debate about the town's character. The Castlemaine community will continue to debate the issue, with residents likely having the final say.

"The I really hate to throw myself into the same mix as bringing a major [business] into Castlemaine, but this is what I've had to do to keep the store open." Brendan Blake, supermarket owner and resident of Toorak, Melbourne.