Police express concerns that the proposed $3 million project to establish a 24-hour fast food outlet near Redfern station in inner Sydney might lead to an uptick in e-bike and bicycle thefts, as well as robberies and vandalism.
In a submission to the City of Sydney Council’s independent planning committee, Senior Constable Peter Langbein highlighted worries that the initiative might also contribute to heightened violence in the vicinity.
But one local told the council the plan was “a dagger in the hearts of local residents.”
There were 269 submissions against it and 17 in support.
Locals said they were worried about bringing “unhealthy food” to the area,
Locals are also worried about litter, noise, and disrupting the local character.
Others said there were already five local burger shops, as well as another McDonald’s 1.6km away.
Petitions attracted over 1000 signatures.
However others said it would bring jobs to the area.
The plan has been recommended for refusal.
The council said it doesn’t address crime prevention.
The delivery and collection areas would interfere with pedestrians – and there’s no plan for where delivery riders would park.
It said the hours would have a “detrimental” effect on the area and is also worried about litter and smells.
It said it would also affect local businesses as well as the area’s character.
The plan will be decided at a meeting tonight.
Redfern, just south of the city’s CBD, was the centre for indigenous activism in the 1970s.
In 2021, 17 per cent of households in Redfern were in social housing, according to the City of Sydney’s Community Profile.
