Kingston Council remains focused and committed to driving pokie machine reform in Victoria, despite a recent setback in the Supreme Court.
Council is disappointed that the court recently upheld a decision of the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal to approve a Woolworths-based shopping centre development just 75 metres from the entrance to the pokie machine venue at the Chelsea Heights Hotel.
Mayor Steve Staikos said the result further highlighted a major loophole in the current planning laws.
“Under current planning laws (Clause 52.28) Councils can ban the development of gambling venues in retail areas, however, this outcome leaves a very concerning opening for retail giants to be built adjacent to gambling venues,” Cr Staikos said.
“In a normal year, pokie machines in local venues rip over $80 million out of the pockets of local people, which is very worrying, and this situation exposes residents to a greater risk of gambling harm.
“It’s ridiculous that currently in Victoria you can’t build a gaming venue next to a supermarket, but you can build a supermarket next to an existing gaming venue.
“We put a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria in June calling on the Planning Minister to close this loophole and we will continue to fight for change alongside the Alliance for Gambling Reform and community groups via the Enough is Enough campaign,” Cr Staikos said.
Council has repeatedly called on the Victorian Government to help prevent more gambling harm in Kingston by supporting a reduction in the cap on electronic gaming machines (EGMs) across the city.
“Under our current cap levels, a further 268 licensed EGMs could be allowed in Kingston, this is excessive and will only lead to further harm for those families and individuals already suffering.”
Council has asked the Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Melissa Horne, to support a reduction in the Kingston licensed EGM cap to its current level of 945.
Kingston Council is also requesting the State Government introduce further urgent reforms to prevent gambling harm, including the closure of local gambling venues between 2am and 6am.
“We know there are connections between gambling harm and mental ill-health, family violence, homelessness and other social and health issues that we care deeply about in Kingston,” Cr Staikos said. “Anything that we can do to reduce gambling harm is a good thing for the whole community.”
