Vasse Macca’s draws Margs ire

Margaret River residents who led a high-profile protest against fast-food giant McDonald’s in 2012 are dismayed at the store’s entry to Vasse, saying it cheapens the symbolic gateway to Margaret River.

Katrina Lombardo was a prominent voice in the campaign against McDonald’s five years ago and she said she was disappointed the City of Busselton had allowed the area near the Busselton Bypass roundabout to become a commercial precinct.

The Margaret River Farmers Market co-ordinator said the entry of McDonald’s went against the Margaret River way of life and efforts to promote sustainability and community-focused food.

“It encompasses and encapsulates everything that I don’t believe in,” she said. “It’s just not how the world should be going.”

Former protester Sabine Lane said she did not like the store’s placement in Vasse.

“It’s the gateway to Margaret River — it feels like they’re trying to put their stamp on that gateway,” she said.

Mrs Lane said she hoped the Margaret River community would not let McDonald’s-style businesses into the town.

When the golden arches first went up last month, some residents also argued families and busy workers would benefit from convenient and cheaper meal options.

Other residents said the McDonald’s in Vasse was too far away to concern them but they would oppose any Margaret River outlets.