Petition opposes 20 extra pokies

additional 20 electronic gaming machines (pokies) at the Warragul Country Club would be a threat to the livelihoods of many local families, according to a petition tabled at Baw Baw Shire last week.

Cr Peter Kostos presented the petition, signed by 98 local people, that called on council to put a stop to the additional 20 pokies machines at the venue.

Petitioners said they had a “strong objection” to council granting a permit for an extra 20 electronic gaming machines at the WCC.

“The Warragul Country Club provides a social and recreational environment to our community; however, the financial losses to the community with the present number of EGM’s ($13.3 million in 2014-2015) represent a loss that no community can afford.

“We ask that the Baw Baw Shire Council refuse the application, on the grounds that it represents a recognisable threat to the livelihoods of many local families, and an increased outflow of money from our local community,” the petition said.

The Victorian Commission for Gaming and Liquor Regulations two weeks ago approved the club’s application to increase the number of machines from 60 to 80.

The extra gaming machines at WCC will bring the total at the four gaming venues in Baw Baw Shire to 218, well below the state government’s cap of 299 for the shire.

Council decided in May not to oppose the club’s application to the VCGLR on the condition the club be required to contribute an additional $25,000 to a community benefit fund that will be managed by a joint committee with council.

However, installation of the additional 20 machines still requires planning approval from council. It is expected the planning permit application will be considered by council this month.

Growth and economic development director Matthew Cripps said the petition would be tabled as an objection as part of the planning permit process.

Mr Cripps said approval for the additional machines had to be considered through two processes, similar to a venue applying for a liquor licence.

As well as approval from the VCGLR, Mr Cripps said a planning permit was required to install gaming machines at a venue.

Mr Cripps said the planning process assessed the appropriateness of the application from a land use and development perspective.

Mr Cripps said while previous motions carried by council acknowledged council was not supportive of gaming machines, the process did not provide council with many options, particularly given the municipality was under the state government cap.

Council has refused gaming machines at venues in the past but in both instances Mr Cripps said the matter ended up at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, where the applications were approved.

Mr Cripps said council could refuse the application on planning grounds but it “would be unlikely if it went to VCAT that we would be successful.”