Moss Vale residents have raised concerns over a proposal for a 24-hour Hungry Jack’s drive-thru, particularly about its potential impact on traffic, children’s health and local businesses.
The development application, proposed at 211-213 Argyle Street, would see existing buildings demolished and replaced with a purpose-built Hungry Jack’s featuring indoor dining, a drive-thru, parking and major signage.
If approved, the dining area would operate from 6am to 11pm, while the drive-thru would run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with vehicles accessing it through Hawkins Street.
Moss Vale resident Brione McKinley, 51, said she was shocked about the proposal given the number of fast-food options already available in town, but said her biggest concern was the potential impact on children’s diets.
“Being a schoolteacher, I’m seeing the increase in children’s weight, and their diets are becoming poorer. The fast-food option is often used as a bribe for children, and Hungry Jack’s is just going to add to that,” Ms McKinley said.
According to the Traffic Management Plan set by Hungry Jack’s, three to four supply trucks are expected to arrive every day, avoiding early mornings, lunch hours and late afternoons.
Ms McKinley said the traffic at the Argyle intersection was already busy enough, and was concerned the development could make it worse.
“That intersection there is already busy enough and it’s backed up from the traffic lights, heading south anyway,” Ms McKinley said.
“I feel like there’ll be more people doing a U-turn at the train station to get into it next to KFC, and it’s going to increase the traffic and cause more accidents there.”
Moss Vale resident Margaret Gray objected to the proposal in a submission to council, saying it will take business away from local family-run stores.
“There are already a number of food outlets in Moss Vale, owned by small business owners,” Gray said.
“Every food chain that is established here takes business from these family-run shops… the number of shops closing their door on the main street of Moss Vale is alarming. We do not want to see any more closures.”
The proposal remains under consideration by the Wingecarribee Shire Council since the application was lodged on May 22.
