Gaming venues will be banned from activity centres and shopping strips under new laws being considered by Wyndham council.
On Monday night, councillors agreed to ask Planning Minister Matthew Guy to appoint an independent panel to consider an amendment to the Wyndham planning scheme, restricting where gaming venues
can be built.
The amendment, which aims to reduce problem gambling by removing temptations to bet, has been opposed by six groups. Among the objectors was Cedar Woods, which is developing the Williams Landing town centre.
In a submission, the developer said while it supported gaming restrictions, it believed pokies venues should be allowed to operate in the town centre.
Werribee Football Club also opposed the amendment, saying club venues should not be included in the new policy as it would impact on them financially.
In a report to council, sustainable development director Dean Rochfort said the council could not allow gaming venues to operate in activity centres without undermining the intent of the new policy, which was to determine the most suitable location of poker machines in Wyndham.
HealthWest project co-ordinator James Dunne said the proposed amendment was among the
best ways councils could tackle problem gambling.
“Keeping gambling venues away from areas where people are likely to be more vulnerable is a positive step in reducing gambling-related harm,” he said.
“Removing pokies from where people live and go about their lives is likely to reduce the impact of problem gambling on the Wyndham community.”
Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation data shows Wyndham’s pokies raised $87.8 million in 2012-13, the eighth-highest figure in the state.
