Council supports more country club pokies
The Warragul Country Club’s proposal for 20 additional electronic gaming machines has been approved, subject to any appeals to VCAT.
Baw Baw Shire councillors reluctantly supported the application, with many indicating they were opposed to gaming machines but the state government cap made it difficult to refuse.
A report to council said the club had committed to increasing its community contributions program by $25,000 cash each year.
The report said a committee including club, council and a community representative will be formed to distribute the funds each year.
A permit condition requires the funds be contributed to community health and wellbeing programs.
The report said the WCC contributed $51,325 in the 2014/2015 financial year and $22,750 over the 2013/2014 financial year.
“These contributions were in the form of free and/or subsidised use of the club house or function room, vouchers for the venue and cash contributions.
Officers said the club will be required to maintain current contributions of at least $50,000 as well as the additional $25,000.
“The applicant has identified that 20 additional EGMs is estimated to generate between $321 ,556 and $355,404 of revenue in the first year of operation.
“Overall, it is considered that on balance the proposal for 20 additional electronic gaming machines will not result in a negative social and economic effect on the Baw Baw Shire,” the report said. WCC chief executive officer Michael Smairl said the club contributed $3.7 million a year to the local economy through wages and $2.1 million a year to local suppliers.
He said the SES raffle at the club had raised $15,000 since August and they also hosted a charity day for West Gippsland Hospital each year as well as supporting many local sporting clubs, schools and church groups.
“Our community contribution is significant,” he said.
Mr Smairl said the additional 20 machines would bring the WCC into line with the Warragul Sporting and Social Club.
But, he said the WCC served four times the food and beverage than the other club.
“We have thousands more people through the door each week so 20 more machines is not an unrealistic number,” he said.
While moving that council approve the application, Cr Peter Kostos said he was “playing devil’s advocate.”
“I don’t like pokie machines, I don’t like what they do to society and I don’t like what they take out of the community.
“However, other applications have been overturned by VCAT and I am concerned about what it would cost us if we refused the application,” he said.
Cr David Balfour said it was important to acknowledge what the club had given back to the community through employment and donations.
“They are allowed to have those machines and we can’t do anything about it,” he said.
Cr Joe Gauci said he was a member at the club and enjoyed the social aspect.
“It’s not for us to dictate what we decide for the whole community.
“I don’t like gaming machines but under our current restrictions I don’t want to throw any community money on something we won’t win,” he said.
Cr Mikaela Power opposed the application, saying there was not enough compensation for what they take out of the community.