The Herald Sun today reported that McDonald’s had “indefinitely delayed” construction of the proposed Tecoma McDonald’s until the site is “safe and secure”. The Age however quoted McDonald’s spokesperson  Skye Oxenham as saying “It hasn’t been delayed indefinitely, but there is a temporary delay. We’re still moving forward behind the scenes.”

The feeling at the site meeting this afternoon was unanimous, this announcement changes nothing and our blockade and occupation will continue until McDonald’s formally announces they are not proceeding. It’s important to remember that the union ban on workers on the site is based on the fact that it is not a safe worksite whilst we continue our protest. Therefore it is even more important the blockade continues. Protestors will be on site from 7AM Saturday morning to continue the community blockade.

ARRESTED PROTESTOR CONTINUES HER PROTEST

Marcia, the local protestor who yesterday jumped on a contractor’s truck and was charged with trespass and a traffic offence, was placed on bail conditions that said she was not to return within 100 metres of the site. Undeterred, she set herself up 100m from the site with her protest sign! However a divvy van of police soon pulled up and demanded she move further away from the site or face arrest for breaking bail conditions. Refusing to move Marcia told them she was 100m from the site and if they did not believe her they should come back with a tape measure. Marcia shows how this community will not be intimidated out of expressing our opposition to McDonald’s in Tecoma.

MORE BAD PR FOR MCDONALDS

The Media/PR onslaught against McDonald’s continued today with several fantastic live crosses from the Channel 9 “Today” show this morning. Protestors came out at 5AM to sing “The Ballad of Tecoma” to a national audience.

Mark, one of our intrepid roof top occupiers, also gave a fabulous interview on the 7.30 Report which really covered the reasons why we are fighting so hard against this development.