A controversial proposal to build a 24-hour McDonald’s restaurant in Redfern has sparked fierce backlash from residents and local police, who have joined forces to oppose what they describe as a threat to the safety, culture, and character of the inner-city suburb.
The fast-food giant has submitted plans to open a round-the-clock outlet at the corner of Regent and Redfern Streets, a site currently occupied by a vacant lot. An artist’s impression of the proposed restaurant reveals a modern, brightly-lit venue set to become a prominent feature of the area. But locals see it as anything but welcome.
Community members have labelled the project a "poison and blemish on the map," arguing that the development would attract antisocial behaviour, increase litter, and erode Redfern’s rich cultural identity. Concerns have also been raised about its proximity to schools and community centres, with parents and educators fearing the impact of junk food marketing on young people.
Adding weight to the opposition, police have warned of a potential spike in crime, particularly during late-night hours. Officers say that a 24-hour McDonald’s could become a hotspot for e-bike thefts, youth loitering, and alcohol-related disturbances, stretching already thin local policing resources.
Superintendent Claire Morton from Redfern Police Command said the location had “a history of late-night disturbances” and introducing a 24-hour fast food outlet could “create a pressure point for crime and antisocial activity.”
The Redfern Residents Action Group (RRAG) has launched a petition to block the development, garnering more than 5,000 signatures in just two weeks. Spokesperson Jalen Thomas said, “This is not about opposing McDonald’s as a brand – it’s about protecting the social fabric of our neighbourhood. Redfern is a place of community, culture, and resilience. A 24-hour fast food chain is the wrong fit.”
McDonald’s Australia responded with a statement asserting that the project would bring “jobs, economic growth, and convenience to the area,” and that the company was committed to “working with local stakeholders to address concerns.”
The proposal is now before the City of Sydney Council, which is expected to open it for public consultation later this month. With pressure mounting from both residents and law enforcement, the project faces a tough road ahead.
