Steve Grieve, Christine Putland and Olaf Hansen are pushing back against a McDonald's in Goolwa. (891 ABC Adelaide: Caroline Horn)
Cittaslow Goolwa says a new McDonald's outlet is flagged for a property under contract.
There are already 38 places to eat in Goolwa, and it would be the town's first fast-food outlet.
The Alexandrina Council mayor expects an application to go out to public consultation.
A regional town that already has 38 eating places and international accreditation as a "slow city" is gearing up to fend off one of the world's biggest fast-food chains.
The coastal town of Goolwa, south of Adelaide, is a bustling hub of small businesses that, during summer and tourism periods, are packed to the hilt with customers.
It is a place of renowned heritage at the edge of the Coorong and featured in the classic 1976 Australian film, Storm Boy.
The historic PS Oscar W is among tourist attractions at Goolwa. (891 ABC Adelaide: Caroline Horn)
Cittaslow Goolwa, a volunteer group devoted to protecting the area's food and cultural identity, told the ABC this week that a property was under contract to buyers who wanted to build a McDonald's on the site as Goolwa's first fast-food outlet.
"All up, there are 38 eating places in Goolwa alone, without the outlying towns," said Olaf Hansen, seafood specialist and founder of cafe and restaurant Bombora On The River.
"I bet you won't find any other place in Australia that will have that many eating places, so I can't see the point of putting more in because the operators are struggling to find staff already.
"It's OK through winter but come summer, everyone is in the same boat."
He said Goolwa had a range of restaurants, including Indian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, German and an "iconic" fish-and-chip shop by the Murray Mouth.
"Why would you wreck the character of this town by putting fast food in it? It will probably only open the floodgates for the future," Mr Hansen said.
Some Goolwa residents do not want to see McDonald's famed arches in their town. (ABC News)
