One hundred and six people agreed to speak at a meeting in late November.

The Wao Aotearoa Charitable Trust, which was strongly opposed to the idea, had concerns about the visual and aesthetic impact of the town.

“The proposed site is highly visible at the entrance to Wānaka and is adjacent to significant landscape features such as Iron Mountain,” he said in his submission.

“The development will have a serious negative impact on the visual and aesthetic values ​​of this sensitive area.

“Proposed mitigation measures, including equipment and embankment, are insufficient to address the impacts of the building, signage, lighting and parking areas.

“This site is not consistent with the community’s goal of preserving and enhancing our natural landscapes.”

The trust also had concerns about waste management, and the presentation noted that Wānaka had shown leadership in the transition to a zero waste economy.

“McDonald’s continued use and reliance on disposable and disposable packaging is contrary to its commitment to zero waste and environmental protection. “Toxicity and waste caused by disposable packaging leak into the environment, causing great damage to our ecosystems.”

In a joint presentation by Wastebusters and Plastic Free Wanaka, this idea was opposed and it was stated that the protection of the natural environment is at the core of Wānaka’s common values.

“This includes protecting our extraordinary natural landscape, protecting our mountain waterways and transitioning to a circular economy, and is recognized in the council’s strategic documents, including the Beyond 2050 Vision, Destination Management Plan and Waste Management and Minimization Plan.

“Thirty per cent of the community (5,565 people) have signed a petition to stop a McDonald’s opening in Wānaka, with waste and environmental impact among widely voiced concerns.”

There were also those who wanted to see a golden arch in their region.

A woman who lived about a kilometer away from the proposed site wanted the restaurant built, but with some conditions.

In his presentation, it was stated that “working hours are limited to 22:00 on weekdays and 12:00 on weekends.”

“I am concerned about the potential for excessive traffic, unsafe driving and anti-social behavior by McDonalds customers who are speeding along Aubrey Road at night and disturbing sleeping residents. “Limiting opening hours will help reduce the impact.”

Locals also wanted to see safe access for cyclists and contribution to local community projects that improve the environment of the adjacent Mt Iron Reserve.

Another resident who gave a positive comment said it would be a “positive contribution to removing food outlets from the town” and that “it’s appropriate for people to have the choice of food”.

The council meeting is scheduled for November 25.

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