Small towns versus Big Macs as communities oppose McDonald's 'vibe'

Key points

• Residents in several Victorian and South Australian towns are fighting proposed McDonald's developments. Opponents raise concerns about health, traffic, family businesses and local identity.
• On Phillip Island, plans for a store near a primary school have drawn strong objections. McDonald's says the proposed Phillip Island outlet will create up to 120 jobs, though critics question this.
• A public health professor says the wider food environment and marketing shape diets. Victoria is considering a private members' bill that would let councils reject fast-food outlets on public health grounds.