7 March 2025
Fast-food restaurants would be banned from being constructed within 400m of schools under a new bill introduced to State Parliament by the Greens yesterday.
The bill amends planning laws to prohibit planning approval for fast-food restaurants, including McDonald’s, Hungry Jack’s and KFC, within 400 meters of schools. It will also prevent the renewal and extension of leases and licenses for existing fast-food restaurants within 400m of schools.
“Given the role of the fast-food industry in contributing to obesity and in turn chronic disease, it is totally inappropriate for these businesses to be literally walking distance from so many schools. With one in four Australian children being overweight or obese, the SA Government should be doing what it can to promote healthy choices,” said Greens SA Health Spokesperson Robert Simms MLC.
“I know that many South Australian parents would welcome restrictions being placed on the location of fast-food restaurants.”
“For instance, there is a strong community campaign building in Strathalbyn against a fast-food restaurant being built next to a school in that area and in the Adelaide Hills, residents there are campaigning against an OTR being built next to a school and potentially selling junk food to kids. Our planning system should be responsive to these concerns.”
“The City of London imposed a ban on new fast-food take-aways within 400 metres of schools back in 2017. It’s time for South Australia to do the same and show leadership on tackling childhood obesity.”