Ranges council moves to control pokies

By Kath Gannaway
YARRA Ranges Council will pursue a planning scheme amendment aimed at minimising the effect of electronic gaming machines on the shire’s most vulnerable residents.
The council resolved at its meeting last week to ask for authorisation from the Minister for Planning to prepare the amendment to introduce a local planning policy (LPP) for gaming machines into the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.
The amendment would also require changes to the municipal strategic statement.
If approved, the proposed amendment would go on exhibition for comment by the wider community.
The LPP would require the location of gaming machines in destination venues rather than convenience venues, in areas of low socio-economic disadvantage, rather than in areas of high socio-economic disadvantage, and outline design principles for venues.
Councillors heard that the LPP would provide a clear policy direction for the assessment of permit applications to install gaming machines in the shire.
The shire has four EGMs for every 1000 adults with gambling venues in townships, including Healesville, Yarra Junction and Lilydale.
The State Government allows for up to 10 EGMs per 1000.
What the shire has the opportunity to influence with a LPP is the location of additional or relocated EGMs and the types of venues.
Moving the amendment motion, Cr Graham Warren said he would prefer there were no pokie machines in the shire.
“Any measure of control we can get over these things will help, but the reality is while they are here there is detriment to the community,” he said.
“The government has to wean itself off these machines.”
Cr Jeanette McRae also supported the amendment application.
“I think there is a place for responsible gambling, but I also believe while we have governments who rely on the revenue from these machines as part of their budget processes, and who don’t look at the whole relationship of social outcomes – with health issues, with crime, with social cohesiveness,” Cr McRae said.
“We need to ensure we have appropriate policies to minimise the negative impacts.”