An application for additional gaming machines at a Tarneit hotel was unanimously rejected by Wyndham council last week.
Hotel 520 had applied to the Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission for an extra 12 electronic gaming machines to be added as part of a redevelopment of the venue on Sayers Road, Tarneit.
After notifying Wyndham Council of the application in August 23, council informed the VGCCC of its intention to submit a Social and Economic Impact Statement (SEIS) relating to the application.
The SEIS, which was completed and forwarded to the VGCCC on October 6, found the 12 extra pokie machines would likely increase gambling related harm in the nearby community, while only having a negligible impact on employment and other economic benefits.
The Hotel 520 proposal was also found to not align with provisions in the Wyndham Planning Scheme or with the Wyndham Gambling Harm Minimisation Policy and Action Plan.
Hotel 520 took in more than $13 million in pokie machine revenue for the 2022-23 financial year, the fourth highest in Wyndham which had one of the highest rates of any municipality.
In voting against the proposal, council also approved engaging lawyers to represent it at a Victorian Gambling and Casino Control Commission hearing listed for November 9-10.
Hotel 520 was contacted for comment.
Cade Lucas.
