NEW gaming venues will not be permitted in residential neighbourhoods or disadvantaged areas under a proposed amendment to the Wyndham planning scheme.
Councillors last week voted to adopt a new framework which would allow it to dictate where gaming venues can be built.
The framework forms part of the council’s new responsible gambling strategy, which aims to reduce the impact of problem gambling on Wyndham. The council is also proposing to prevent gaming venues from being built near each other.
Under the amendment, venues near shops, schools, parks and childcare centres would have to provide separate access and parking for users.
Chief executive Kerry Thompson said the amendment and new strategy aimed to ensure venues were not located in areas where they were likely to increase the option of “convenience gambling” or negatively impact on the community’s social and economic well-being.
“Some losses are returned to the community through funding for local clubs, employment and revenue from the state government, however research suggests that gaming revenue can come at significant socio-economic costs to individuals and local communities.”
As reported by the Weekly, Wyndham punters poured more than $88.5 million into pokies in the 12 months to June, about $242,000 a day.
HealthWest’s James Dunne said research showed an increase in gambling losses when pokies were placed in easily accessible areas.
“While the council can’t do anything about existing venues, the planning scheme amendment provides them with the ability to say we know where the most disadvantaged people in the community are and we aren’t going to put a new pokies venue in a place which puts them at a even greater risk.”
The council will seek permission from Planning Minister Matthew Guy to amend the planning scheme.
