Call to protect vulnerable

An objector to additional gaming machines at the Warragul Country Club called on Baw Baw Shire Council to protect vulnerable community members and refuse the application.

Jim Connelly told council the country club’s submission was full of spin while its opponents were like David against Goliath.

Fifteen objections and two petitions were lodged with council opposing the additional gaming machines at Warragul Country Club.

A report to council said the objectors raised a number of concerns including gambling addiction; there were enough machines already; and, more machines would lead to increased financial losses in the shire.

The objectors stated increasing the number of machines was promoting and encouraging a lifestyle that ruined many lives, including the gambler.

Dr Connelly said while his submission related to the WCC application, his comments were equally applicable to a proposal for 20 additional machines at the Warragul Sporting and Social Club.

Dr Connelly reminded council that its own public health review in November last year identified gambling as a major health risk to the community.

He said there were 88 people from the shire on the Gambler’s Help register yet there would be many more that hadn’t faced up to their addiction.

“$13.3 million was lost to poker machines in this shire last financial year. Over the four years of your term, $51 million has been sucked out of our community,” he said.

Dr Connelly said the club estimated the additional 20 machines would add 240 patrons a week. He said the average loss per player was $375.

“These machines will take an extra $90,000 out of the community,” he said.

Dr Connelly said the WCC’s submission stated the aim of the extra machines was to repay debt, improve the golf course and help the community.

“The shire should have no interest in the financial affairs of the club or in the state of the golf course.

Dr Connelly said the generosity of the club in donating money back to the community was questionable.

He said the amount the club donates was paid back to it from the government through a gaming tax rebate “so community assistance is really from the government, not the club at all.”