Documents obtained from the Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) at noon yesterday revealed 16 individual submissions have been filed since the resource consent for the restaurant was publicly notified on Friday.
Fourteen of those were opposed to McDonald’s Restaurants (NZ) Ltd’s plans for a restaurant next to the new Mt Iron roundabout.
The most common complaints included location, visual impact, concerns about rubbish, the nutritional value of McDonald’s food and potential negative impacts on local businesses.
Albert Town resident Hamish Wilkie echoed the thoughts of four other submitters when he said it was inappropriate to put "such a high profile business in such a high profile site" at the intersection of two state highways.
"Three Parks would be a far more appropriate location as it is commercial in its nature, easily accessible and removed from residential neighbourhoods."
In its proposed location at the yet-to-be-constructed Mt Iron Junction development, McDonald’s would join a Caltex service station and a 90-bed workers’ accommodation village.
In a detailed submission, the Upper Clutha Environmental Society said they opposed it because they believed the applicant had not done enough to mitigate the impact of placing the development in a rural zone at the foot of Mt Iron.
Granting consent would "set a precedent for over-development within the rural zone" and measures taken to mitigate any adverse effects on visual amenity at the location were insufficient, the society’s submission read.
Screening planting and mounding, while good, would not meaningfully mitigate the effects.
Six submissions referenced concerns about rubbish, including Wānaka resident Charlie Mitchell who argued the burden of cleaning up after McDonald’s patrons should rest with the restaurant itself.
"Should the council decide to proceed then I suggest that a condition of any consent be a fulltime person employed by McDonald's to patrol Wānaka to pick up rubbish."
Phillippa Ives, of Albert Town, was among four submitters who said they were concerned about the impact the global corporation would have on local businesses.
"The financial benefits of a McDonald’s restaurant are limited, as a significant portion of the revenue will go to the franchisor rather than staying within the local economy."
Two submissions backed the restaurant.
Darren Smith said it seemed "unfair" the community held such strong prejudice against the global chain given the company’s association with an organisation such as Ronald McDonald House Charities.
"Tell me what restaurants in this town supports a child’s hospital with facilities that supports families linked to those kids needing support in this country.
"I think it’s about time for a bit of competition in this over-priced town for takeout food."
Lake Hāwea resident Craig Allan referenced the "good employment and training" opportunities the restaurant could offer locals, particularly the young.
The public notification process marks the first and possibly only time the public can formally offer their opinions on McDonald’s plans.
Submissions are open until August 9.
