Residents opposed to the development of a KFC restaurant at Bulli have staged a roadside rally as the window for public comment on the proposal draws to a close.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
A small group of adults and children made their feelings known to passing traffic Thursday afternoon with signs declaring: “cluck off KFC … leave Bulli alone!” .
Woonona resident Sue Fagan said she opposed the development on environmental grounds, and also objected to the effects the fast food outlet could have on community, heritage and the eating habits of her child.
“If people really really want KFC – and they are absolutely within their rights to do that – there is a KFC 15 minutes away and there is a fast food giant [McDonald’s] in what used to be a local village - Woonona - only two minutes away,” Ms Fagan said.
“Placing one here doesn’t add anything to Bulli, which is a historic village.”
“If we allow these things to happen, it’s a chipping away of a local culture and a local aesthetic.
“If people drive into our local village it's not [distinctly] just Bulli, it’s any village. They just see a massive, neon-lit bucket, 24 hours. That’s the lasting impression they will get.”
The KFC would be located within the Woolworths complex, with an eight-metre high Colonel’s bucket announcing its presence.
The proposal, lodged by Woolworths’ in-house corporate property division Fabcot Pty Ltd, has divided opinion..
Thursday’s protest came the week after supporters of the proposal mounted a KFC bucket on a drone and sent it on a “celebratory” flight over the development site.
More than 1100 people support a Facebook page called Yes to KFC in Bulli. The page encourages supporters to send a templated letter to council.
“Thanks to businesses like KFC, tourists and even local Wollongong residents may start to see Bulli as more than just a town to drive through, which will positively impact local business,” the letter reads.
“This kind of business can keep young people off the streets, empowering people who may otherwise feel helpless and providing a chance for independence.”
Email council@wollongong.nsw.gov.au by 5pm Friday to comment.
